10 Tips to Rock Your Beach Look This Summer

The warmth of the sun…

A drink in your hand…

Your toes in the sand…

The beach – the staple location of “summer.”

With the warm, fresh air, the slight breeze from the ocean, and just the overall relaxing nature of the atmosphere, I can almost taste a Piña colada now just thinking about it.

It is the perfect relaxing getaway, a quick way to get a dark tan, and the perfect place to rock some of the hottest summer looks.

However, the beach has its own dress code. Most likely, you won’t find many people rocking Nordstrom’s Topshop Clear Mom Jeans that sent the internet into a frenzy earlier this year.

You will find beach-goers rocking more laid back and light outfits.

So, whether you are hanging out in the sand or just headed out for a casual dinner by the beach, here are 10 tips for rocking your beach look this summer:

1. You can’t go wrong with the floppy hat
From the immense amount of shade provided to the fact that you basically don’t have to do your hair if you wear it all day…
Just throw in the added bonus that it is absolutely adorable and you just can’t pass up throwing a staple floppy hat into your beach look this summer.
Perfect for on the beach soaking up the sun, off the beach enjoying some fish and chips, or even later on when it is Derby time – you are sure to be rocking this staple beach look even once summer is over.

2. Make your favorite kimono your new swimsuit cover-up
When you’re going to the beach, it is no secret you are looking for something light and airy, but also something that shows off a little skin since you spent all year working on your summer body.
Remember that kimono you bought last spring to wear with skinny’s and a cute tank? Time to pull it back out because it doubles as a simple and fashionable bikini cover-up.

3. The iconic white dress
Everyone girl who has been to the beach for years in a row probably has a family – or individual – picture in a white dress.
A solid white dress is a staple beach look every year. Grab one now and save it for next year, too! It is the outfit that just keeps giving as you use it year and year again.

4. Shop for the crop top
Crop tops are a trendy way to beat the summer heat. Try pairing it with your favorite floral maxi skirt for a cool and fashionable formal look.
These make a great pair for a night out!

5. Printed palazzo pants
The loose-fitting style makes them super comfy, while still being super fashionable.
These are great for when you just need to slip something on super quick but still want to look like a million bucks.

6. Graphic tees
Graphic tees are probably not the first thing that come to mind when you think “summer beach look,” but…
The quirky labels found on them can be beach-related. Find a graphic tee that expresses how feel about the beach so you can sport the beach even when you can’t be there.

Visit wunderlabel to get some ideas or find an inspiration.

7. Big, button up
Like the kimono, a button up that is just a size too big can make the great bikini cover-up.
It is light and can be buttoned all the way up to protect your upper body from sun rays or left unbuttoned to show off your swimsuit while still shading your shoulders.

8. Jean shorts
Jean shorts are just a summer staple in general. But, they are even better for your summer beach look!
Throw a pair of jean shorts over your swimsuit and leave them unbuttoned for a casual, trendy beach look.

9. White pants
White pants and the staple white dress go hand-in-hand. If dresses aren’t your thing, then the white pants are a beach picture must-have.

10. Large handbag
Once you have your outfit just right, it’s time to focus on getting your towel and shades to the beach.
Grab a large handbag to double as a purse and a beach bag. Large handbags without any dividers in the middle are the best so that you can just throw everything in it without organizing it.

This guest post is written by Annabelle Short blogger of wunderlabel

Beauty Trend: Pink All Over

Earlier this season we saw pink and other bright hues make its way onto runway shows, in other words onto the eyes, cheeks and lips of models creating princess feel that has now made its way amongst celebs who have been rocking pink all over the red carpets lately.

Soft pink and shimmery rose shades are being used as blush, eye shadow and even on the lips that throws us back to that Californian teenager look.

Draping, replacing the ever popular contouring technique, has made a comeback in the beauty world and is being used for a more intense or avant-garde look by wearing your blush all the way up on the corner of your cheeks and to the side of your eyes.

Get the look:

NARS Cosmetics Duo Eyeshadow in Bouthan ($35)

DIOR Palette in Tutu ($62)

MAYBELLINE The Blushed Nudes Palette ($13)

URBAN DECAY Naked 3 Palette ($54)

MARC JACOBS Air Blush Palettes ($42)

The Met Gala 2017

The Met Gala is inarguably fashion’s biggest night, where actresses, models, and athletes  go the extra mile to wear dresses or even outfits they wouldn’t dare to wear otherwise. Honoring unconventional fashion designer Rei Kawakubo. This year’s theme was “Rei Kawakubo & Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” where eccentric and avant-garde looks dominated (for better or worse) the red carpet.

The showstoppers:

Rihanna in Comme des Garçons.

Wearing the honored designer, Riri managed to top her infamous 2015 Met Gala Guo Pei gown. As we expected nothing less from her, Rihanna was the talk of the night with this perfect interpretation of “Fashion is art”.

Katy Perry in Maison Margiela

Definitely the risk taker of the night but the whole ensemble is confusing. Katy Perry looks miserable and trapped inside a red cage.

The best dressed:

Gigi Hadid in Tommy Hilfiger

Gigi made Avant-Garde sexy in a nude tulle dress by sportswear designer Tommy Hilfiger with yes, a leg pop!

Cara Delevingne in Chanel

Nobody rocks a suit on the red carpet better than Cara Delevingne. This sleek, shiny and sexy evening suit is everything and that pixie hair-do is such a clever accessory!

Zendaya in Dolce & Gobbana

In this tropical print full ball skirt, Zendaya is the epitome of romanticism.

Lily Collins in Giambattista Valli

Punk-Princess? Lily tapped into her dark side and showed us an edgier side of her and we don’t hate it!

Priyanka Chopra in Ralph Lauren

I dare you to rock an oversized trench coat better than Priyanka. With the sleeves pushed up, a bold makeup and THAT TRAIN, Priyanka looked fierce on the red carpet.

Not on theme:

Jennifer Lopez in Valentino

JLo graced a gorgeous light blue dress that invites us to a night on the Côte d’Azur rather than the Met Gala. But when you look this ethereal who cares right?

Blake Lively in Versace

As stunning as she looks (I mean when doesn’t she?) this dress is almost too “common” or “typical” for Blake. I would’ve loved for her to have raised the bar last night and show a bit more creativity. This isn’t Cannes after all.

Kylie Jenner in Versace and Kendall Jenner in La Perla

Although both dazzling dresses, I’m not sure how they fit the theme… Both dresses seem more appropriate for a Gatsby theme than an homage to Kawakubo.

Selena Gomez in Coach.

The past couple of years we’ve seen Selena Gomez transition from “good girl” to a more sexy and mature woman. But last night’s choice of dress was a deception. Although nothing wrong with the aesthetic of the dress, Selena looked too “sweet”.  Gomez’ dress lacked the boldness that usually accompanies her on the red carpet, but her daring makeup more than makes up for this.

Gisele Bündchen in Stella McCarthy

Two words: too dull.

Haiti Needs You

On Friday I had the opportunity to fly to Jeremie, one of the many towns that was severely hit by hurricane Matthew. I got to see for myself what remains of this town after the passage of Matthew and for as much as I try to share my quick visit there, words fall short to describe what I saw.

It was as if the angel of desolation had passed through the town. Houses, schools and hospitals are completely destroyed, plantations are devasted, and what’s left of the roads are covered in sludge and full of debris. In other words, the town is entirely washed out.

I am not going to fill this article with heart wrenching pictures and videos nor am I going to continue describing the desolate state in which these people are left. I am however, going to ask for each and every one of your help. The storm may have passed but tough times are only beginning. Thousands of people were left homeless and infections and contaminations are just starting. While many charitable organizations, NGOs, and foreign aids are collecting donations and are preparing relief missions to help the affected areas, I strongly suggest to do research before donating to the organization of your choice. Jeremie is only one of the towns that was harshly affected. Let’s not forget Les Cayes, Aquin, Port-Salut, Miragoanes, Anse d’Hainault, Dame-Marie, île à Vache to name just a few. A little bit can do so much and during these harsh times, let us keep in mind our nation’s motto: “l’union fait la force“.

Sow a Seed organization preparing hurricane relief mission for the South

Fondation Rose et Blanc giving out shelters to the South

Haiti is a country that has suffered enough. From a devastating earthquake, to numerous hurricanes and flooding, to dangerous and unstable political turmoils, the Haitian people always manage to come through and overcome these hard times by always holding on to one thing: faith.

Item of the week: The Bandana

This week’s item must have is the western inspired accessory known as the bandana.

Worn around the neck, or as a headband to pull back your hair, this 90’s go-to accessory is making a major comeback (like most 90s trends these days).

  

Celebs and bloggers have been spotted rocking this extra, making it the hottest accessory at coachella and a street style favorite!

Ashley Benson and Shay Mitchell

Caroline Receveur

Danielle Bernstein from We Wore What

Poze Brand’s 4th Collection

Based in Miami, but inspired by Haitian culture, Poze brand is a Haitian street wear brand for both men and women. The word “Poze” meaning “chill” or “relaxed” in Creole, is heard in most conversations between Haitians. The brand, founded in 2014 by Jeff Appolon, prides itself in teaching the world about Haitians, one word, one picture, and one story at a time. So far 3 collections have been released and the 4th one is forthcoming.

Check out our interview with Mr. “Poze” himself, where he discusses his latest collection.

Tell me about your new collection and what was the inspiration behind it.
• This collection follows up on the previous one which pushes the boundaries further. I want this collection to be engaging to the mind and also laid back. Half of the pieces in the 4th collection visit our rich history and capture moments of glory. As a country, we’ve taken so many L’s in the past that we forget that we were once great.

 

How does the collection reflect your Haitian background?
• One of the shirt is inspired by the current success of our Haitian national soccer team. I mean, we haven’t won any world cup but we are doing better now. The shirt I’m referring to shows the picture of Haitian soccer Legend Manno Sanon as he scored the famous goal against Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff during the 1974 world cup match Vs Italy. That goal ended Dino Zoff’s long standing 1142 minutes without getting scored on. After I read about it, I thought that it was important to celebrate that moment and glorify him.

• Another shirt I have is a drawing of the statue of Marie Louise Coidavid, who was Henry Christophe’s wife. I visited the Palais Sans Soucis a couple of years ago and I remember seeing the statue. I remember how proud it made me feel. Somehow I feel that it’s the same feeling that a diaspora gets when they first visit Haiti. Even though only the ruins are left, it shows greatness once existed in our country. I feel like back then, our ancestors were a bit more courageous than us because they did more with less.

When and where can one purchase the new collection? Will it be available in stores in Haiti?
• Yes it will be available in Haiti. I had the perfect store to sell, but unfortunately with the economic instability, the store had to close down. I am looking at some other places to carry it in PV. More information will be provided soon. Everything should be available beginning of June.

 
How does the brand Poze reflect your personal style?
• I tend to be more on the conservative side, so my designs will be a bit minimalist. I don’t really like loud colors and too much going on in a t-shirt. I usually go for neutral designs that you can wear when you’re out. But every now and then, I’ll collaborate with someone who may have a different taste than me. I try to have the designs balanced. I’ll take suggestions from my friends and see what they prefer. After all Poze is not my personal brand, it’s the people’s brand.

 
Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?
• I try to keep up with the current trends and add a bit of Haitian mix to it. I’ll be on fashion blogs all day and Instagram when I have some free time. If I see something that catches my eye at the mall, I put a note on my phone. Basically my whole environment.

Is there someone from the fashion world that inspires you?
• I’m a big Kanye West fan. A lot of times I like his style but other times I feel like he pushes the boundaries but then again that is what fashion is all about. I like his style better when he’s rocking the tall tees, ripped fitted denims and yeezys. I also like Big Sean’s style, he’s always on point.

 

What is your personal favorite piece of the 4th collection?
• I really like the Manno Sanon t-shirt and the hat with the Poze hands. I feel like I can see those items on the shelf of an Urban Outfitters store. I like that they are Haiti related but with a touch of pop culture.

What can we expect from Poze in the near future?
• I really want to branch out to different things. I wanna go deeper into female and kids clothing but I’m a bit limited as far as man power. I want the brand to evolve and get better with time. My goal is to keep the brand alive so that one day I see it in a website like Complex, The Source or Highsnobiety as a street wear brand to watch out for.

 Fashion Ayiti, the models and Mr. Poze doing the Poze hand sign.

Adidas Originals X Pharrell Drop “Pink Beach” Collection

Hip-Hop icon Pharrell Williams teams up once again with German giant Adidas to launch the Spring/Summer 2016 collaboration “Pink Beach”.

Pharrell’s passion for arts, music, and fashion comes to life just in time for Summer with this new collaboration of footwear and apparel.

Distinguished by vibrant colors and inspired by tropical prints and island vibes with doodles and words created by Pharrell himself, the Pink Beach collection includes a selection of tanks, leggings, swimsuits, jackets, and ponchos for men, women, and kids.

The footwear collection is an adaptation of the classic Adidas Stan Smith remodeled for the beach. Using molded nubuck heels and patched-tape uppers, the Elastic Slip On and Lace Up kicks are available in white as well as cool colors such as bright blue and sand grey.

See more of the collection below:

The first part of the collection dropped on May 5th, with the second part released this past Thursday. Pink Beach is available at the Adidas online store and retailers.

“IT” Girl Of The Month: Samaria Leah Smith

Often compared to Ciara and the late singer Aaliyah, Samaria Leah Smith, daughter of LL cool J and Simone Smith has been making waves recently on social media. With her daring and unique sense of style it’s no wonder that Samaria Leah is our “IT” girl of the month. 

Get to know this fashionista on the interview below:

What sparked your interest in fashion?

Since I was a little girl I was always in and out of my mother’s clothes and shoes. My mom was always into fashion and still is. She was always fabulous and had the latest and newest of everything. I think I definitely got it from her. 

Did you always know that you wanted to be a designer? 
Absolutely, again as a child I would change outfits about seven times a day. I would sketch non stop. Cut things, tie things together and do basically anything I wanted to make anything cuter. 

What’s your favorite aspect of the fashion industry?
My favorite aspect of the fashion industry is just that it gives you the ability to express yourself in which ever way you want. Also the chance to make people feel beautiful in what they are wearing. Having the talent to be able to do that means everything to me. 

Do you draw inspiration from any designers?
I think everyone finds inspiration from other designers. It’s all about learning from others and knowing the history but using that and forming your own stylistic ideas in new, innovative ways. 

Who is your favorite designer and why?
My favorite designer would be Alexander Wang. He completely embodies what I love about fashion. He’s sleek, sexy and simple and minimalistic at times , but he also gives femininity a tomboyish, edgy, street vibe. 

Your father was a fashion icon in the 1980s and 90s. Has he influenced you in anyway?

I think he influences me in my obsessions with vintage and 90’s style.

How would you define your personal style?
My personal style is moody I would say. And I mean that by just how I’m feeling. Sometimes I feel like a tomboy, sometimes I want to be sexy or girly. Sometimes I want a bohemian vibe or structured and clean. It kinda just depends on what I’m doing that day and how I’m feeling. But my style is very diverse and I’m always open to new stuff. I’ll mix cheaper things with expensive things, If I like it like it.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
My favorite item of clothing right now is probably my shoe collection at the moment. I’m a huge sneaker head and I love sick heels so recently I’ve been getting a lot of new dope shoes and it’s growing and prospering!

What is something that makes you cringe about fashion? 
When people have all the right clothes or bomb pieces but wear them wrong or just don’t know how to rock them. That drives me crazy!

What current trend would you never follow?
I’m over the camel colored trench coat look. I think it’s been overdone. 

After graduation what are your plans in the fashion industry?

My plan is to start my own company of vintage wear and eventually my very own exclusive collection.

 

What advice do you have for other aspiring fashion designers?
Go to school for fashion and learn the business. Regardless if you have the talent or not…if you want people to work for you, you have to know how to do everything so you’re able to tell them what you want. You have to learn how to drape and do patterns. I’m someone finds sewing, draping and pattern to be boring and I want to hire people to do that for me but you have to know how to do it yourself, it will only make you smarter and more keen. I’ve hated this throughout college but it’s definitely made me a better designer and it will make your life easier when you’re working in industry. 

This summer we will get a chance to catch more of Samaria as she is featured on EJ and the city, a new show that will air on E!

 

Spring Trend: Off-The-Shoulder

One of our favorite trend this spring/summer is definitely the off the shoulder top. It’s flirty, flattering, and hides your pit stains!!

Be it in denim or bohemian style for a casual day look, or a statement top for a night out, show some skin and bare shoulder with either tops or dresses with the eazy breezy off-the-shoulder trend.

Take a look at some of our favorite looks:

Spring Trend: Off-The-Shoulder by fashionayiti featuring a white ruffle shirt

 

Topshop white ruffle shirt
topshop.com

Topshop open shoulder blouse
$61 – topshop.com

Blue collar shirt
romwe.com

 

OBI Brickhouse Happy Hour

Another excuse to ditch the heels and put on a pair of cool kicks? YES PLEASE!

Last Saturday Obi restaurant hosted yet another happy hour opting this time for an outdoor atmosphere. Inspired by Wynwood’s brickhouse, the outside patio at Obi was transformed into an urban setting with tables of beer pongs and  wooden benches with a variety of games available.

Staying true to the theme of the night guys and girls alike sported a “hippie chic meets urban grunge” look with denim, fringes, crop tops and sneakers to name a few.

Paired with shorts, denim skirts and even dresses, sneakers were once again a favorite of the night.

Scroll below for more of our favorite looks of the night.

  

  

 

The Nail Bar, Now Open

“The happiest girls always have the prettiest nails” T.T

Every girl likes to get pampered once in a while. But for us in Haiti, getting our nails done is a weekly habit. When I heard a new nail salon with a bar service opened yesterday, the happy hour girl in me decided to check it out.

Offering only nail services, the Nail Bar is the perfect quick stop for those wanting a quick mani/pedi without the noise of blow dryers and commotion of a hair salon.

The salon has an all white setting with a few zen accent pieces which creates a relaxed atmosphere. While getting our nails done, we were offered complementary bubbly as part of the grand opening, but they also have a small selection of drinks, coffee and healthy snack bars available.

At the Nail Bar, they emphasize on cleanliness and sterilization. They use disposable buffers, files, and sticks and all tools are sterilized right after. In addition to regular mani/pedis, they offer princess mani with art designs for girls 12 and under, a jewelry cleaning machine that cleans your rings while getting your nails done and iPads equipped with magazines are avaibable.

The Nail Bar is located in the complex of La Promenade, angles rue Gregoire et Moise in Petion-Ville. Go try it out.

Hair Trend: Boxer Braids

Kim and North West with matching braids

Scrolling through our Instagram feeds it’s clear that the hottest and biggest hairstyle of 2016 is the double French/Dutch braids also known as the boxer braids.

Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby

Just like the name suggests, the hairstyle was first inspired by female boxers (Hilary Swank rocked them in Million Dollar Baby). Easy and low maintenance, the boxer braids aren’t a new favorite in the gym or in the ring. They are however, quickly becoming a new favorite in Hollywood and in the social media world.

Celebs like Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry and Hailey Baldwin to name only a few, have been showing off this hairstyle on social media and what’s more, this hair trend has even been seen on runways during Fashion Week!

If you know me, you know I’m always braiding my hair especially in boxer braids. Besides being convenient, (as they help keep my hair out of my face when I box) they are also stylish and look good with both casual and evening outfits. Funny enough, as I was leaving the gym the other day someone asked me if the braids were the new trend. Well, it looks like the trend is catching up here in Haiti as well :p

Boxer braids spotted in Haiti:

How to get the boxer braids?
Start by parting your hair in two. Then Dutch braid each side from the top while adding strands of hair left and right as you make your way down. And voila!

Coachella Outfit Inspiration

 

Coachella inspiration by fashionayiti featuring circle sunglasses

River Island crochet crop top
riverisland.com

Light blue shorts
rosegal.com

Gladiator sandals
lanecrawford.com

Liquorish camel backpack
$61 – silkfred.com

Boohoo ear cuff
boohoo.com

Retrò circle sunglasses
freyrs.com

90’s Throwback: Choker Trend

For quite some time now bloggers, models off duty, celebs and fashion houses have been taking on this not so new trend.

Your 90’s favorite staple has gotten huge again and even better. Velvet, metal, leather, or rhinestone, the choker adds a little edginess to your look.

Think ” Rock Star”, the choker is your go to accessory this season. Available at almost every clothing and accessory store, you can also come up with your own DIY by tying a string around your neck.

The trend started making a buzz here in Haiti and we’ve spotted a couple of different chokers and looks:

Le Get Away in Fort Alexandre

Ditching the usual little black dress and heels, girls, as well as guys put on their sneakers and jackets on Saturday night and headed to Nocterm’s hill top party in Fort Alexandre, located 45 minutes from Petion-Ville.

After a year of hiatus, Fashion Ayiti decided to come back and capture Haiti’s fashion, style and what better way to start back than at a hill top party with a mesmerizing view of our city.

Needless to say that the most common trend on Saturday were sneakers. From men to women can I just say shoe game on point?

A surprising but very approving trend was faux fur and fringe vests amongst the ladies.

You can never go wrong with leather

Girls in denim

 

Accessories made a big statement!

Ladies with chokers

Hats

A big hair trend this season is the two dutch/french braids

Nocterm Entertainment first came up with the idea of Le Get Away about a year ago. With islands as previous destinations, the concept behind Le Get Away is to discover Haiti’s true beauty in a party atmosphere.

Picture credit: @verdyverna