Tress Trend

By Samii Ryan Accessories

The new trend in hair is not just feather hair extensions, but hair clips in general. One of the newest and brightest stars to arrive on this scene is designer Samii Ryan. Based right out of the Northeast, this young fashion maven has created a line of accessories. These accessories however, have more meaning and depth than the pricey and superficial feather clips of the West.

Native Inspiration

Samii Ryan creates clips with meaning. These hair accessories are more than just feathers in different colors and patterns. No, these hair clips have meaning. Each clip contains feathers hand-picked by the designer in the spirit of the Native American culture.

Each piece is hand-made by the young entrepreneur and each color has a different meaning. For example, the use of brown feathers denotes self-discipline in the Native American culture. These characteristics and colors are combined to create one-of-a-kind pieces for one-of-a-kind clients.

From clips to bracelets, the theme is spirituality and inspiration. This inspiration comes to the designer from the Native American culture, which is deeply rooted in nature and mother earth. This spiritual grounding is what differentiates this designer from other profit-seeking, frivolous labels that design pieces without true depth and meaning. Samii carefully tailors the pieces to the client and puts thought and meaning into each unique piece. That is what separates this designer from the rest, and as a tress trend, truly makes it one of the best out there.

How to Buy

Right now, the company is small, but has some powerful clients to back it. For example, the photo above shows a piece designed especially for and worn by fan and singer Kesha. The designer does take requests by email for specialty pieces.

The best part is even though Samii boasts celebrity clients; you don't have to be one to afford the pieces. The price range is anywhere from five to thirty dollars. It is a small price to pay to feel like your favorite singer. The best way to buy and to get more information on products like the one worn by Kesha, is to visit the site directly at: http://www.bysamiiryan.com.

There's A New Word in Town

Move Over MILFs

These days it seems like if there is not a word for something, there is most certainly an acronym. The latest one to hit the town has to do with hot moms and what they have come to be known as, MILFs, that is until now. The long list of super-models giving birth and looking perfect right after, most recently being Miranda Kerr has ushered in a new twist on an old staple. Instead of MILF, these hot supermodel moms like Gisele, who just flaunted her six-pack abs in V Magazine, have women screaming in jealousy and men screaming in lust.

Instead of a mom you would like to you know what, these women are model moms that, well, you know, stay in top form. In other words, they have spawned a new trend in the language department. They are not just attractive moms, but attractive supermodel moms now known around Hollywood and elsewhere as MMILFs.

Soon-to-be MMILF?

From Adriana Lima to Miranda, and quite possibly Sports Illustrated cover-girl, Irina Shayk, these women give MILF a new name: MMILF. Don't believe it? Just check out Miranda landing in Paris sporting the legs of a high-school student just a few weeks after giving birth, and check out Irina in New York City. Recent photos of Irina have people wondering if she is hiding more than Spanx under her dress.

All this speculation comes after news of a possible engagement to Real Madrid soccer stud, Cristiano Ronaldo. However, just a few days later Irina was spotted at a NY film premiere without a ring and far from a bump. Was it Spanx, and did the mum model purposely leave the ring at home?

While the question of whether Irina is a soon-to-be MMILF remains to be answered, one thing is certain. Super-model moms like Heidi Klum and Gisele know how to stay in super form after baby. It is safe to say they give MILF a new name: MMILF.

Kicking It Old School

Function to Form

For years, trends have come and gone, only to come again. From flares to skinny jeans and back, it seems what is in style is jumping on the "green" bandwagon. For the past few years, one of the greatest examples of a repeat trend has been the gladiator sandal. This trend is an ancient one, going back to the days when men would fight to the death in the Roman Coliseum. While back then they were the only form of footwear available, now these sandals are less a matter of function, and more a matter of form and style.

We all know the characteristics of the gladiator sandal. They usually have some sort of tying mechanism, are flat, and go to around the ankle. However, someone is revolutionizing the gladiator and taking it to a higher level, both literally and figuratively. This someone is Catherine Malandrino, and we predict it will be the hottest shoe of the spring/summer.

The Debut

Malandrino's 2011 version of the gladiator sandal made its debut this past September during NY Fashion Week. Inspired by her time spent with a French pottery artist, the gold was in the details. From handcrafted beads, and thick black leather, the theme of the whole show was old school, but the looks, one in particular, were far from it.

Get the Gladiator

The sandals are not only our personal favorite, but what we predict to be one of, if not, the biggest trend of the coming summer season. Malandrino takes a classic trend to new heights. With beads, a touch of fringe, and leather, the sandals are no longer ankle flats that tie. They are the label's version of thigh-high boots for summer. Vanessa Hudgens has been quoted saying that she is searching everywhere for this footwear, and well, we may have just found them. Yes, they are pricey, but well worth it. Right now, the best way of getting a hold of them is to order directly from the designer. However, we have a feeling and word that major department stores like Bloomingdale's aren't far behind. Can someone say pre-order?

A Festival of Fashion

Tres, Tres Trendy

The Cannes Film Festival in France is back again this year, and so are the trends it brings with it. The festival, which kicked off May 11 and runs through May 22, offers spectacular previews of the year's biggest films and their stars. These stars include Brad Pitt, who has been receiving rave reviews since the start of the festival for his performance in the film, Tree of Life. However, we are giving Pitt, his love, Angelina Jolie, and a slew of others rave reviews for different reasons. These reasons are making the festival about more than film. Instead, Cannes is killing two birds with one stone, as it is well on its way to becoming not only a festival of film, but fashion.

Do the Cannes, Cannes

From the white suit Pitt sported on the carpet to the cream Cavalli gown Cheryl Cole was spotted wearing to a L'Oreal party, the festival this year thus far has been providing us with more fashion hits than misses. This has been a nice change from the usual misses of past events, which had others sporting trends that, well, weren't so current or trendy. Luckily, this year's festival has us wanting to hit our own carpet and do the Cannes, Cannes, even if we can't actually hop on a private jet and party with the best of them. We can still feel like the best of them by taking note of some of the trends being set at the festival.

In addition to a lot of cream and white, a big trend on the carpet has been the color blue. It has been seen so far in all its shades on the bodies of women like Bar Rafaeli and Penelope Cruz. However, none thus far have so successfully exhibited the latest trends, as Italian supermodel Bianca Balti, whose photo can be seen above.

Balti was seen a few nights ago hitting the bulls-eye with multiple trends for spring and summer. The first was in the baby blue hue of the Cavalli gown she wore. The second was in the turquoise accessories, and the third was in the fringe cut and texture of the gown. Together, these elements made Balti more than a festival spectator. Even though she may not have been a star in any of the films being featured in the festival, she has proven herself a fashion star in her own right.

The best part of it all is that the festival is not over yet. From the films to the fashion trends, we cannot wait to see what other trends stars will wear. Regardless, when it comes to the trends, we will be sure to chase them.

Indie Fashion

Step Aside Tribeca

While the Cannes Film Festival just happened, and we have become used to independent films capturing our hearts, independence is not restricted to film. Independent fashion, also known as "indie fashion" has broken onto the fashion scene. So, what exactly is this, and does it involve Diablo Cody or Ellen Page getting pregnant?

Defining Indie Fashion

Indie Fashion is essentially fashion done by small or unknown labels. This would be something found in a little boutique in New York City or Calabasas, rather than Bloomingdale's or Macy's. Examples include Cheap Monday and Hellz Bellz. These little labels are much like their film counterparts. They are done on a small budget, by a relative unknown, and capture a niche audience.

A Tricky Trend

Indie fashion is a growing trend in large part thanks to celebrities like Ashley Tisdale and her colleague and friend, Vanessa Hudgens. When celebrities, especially young ones like these, wear these unknown labels, they grow overnight into the spotlight. This spotlight builds profit, and profit spells interest. This interest then sells a label to a company like Bloomingdale's. For example, Rebel Yell started off as a small coastal brand, but as soon as it was spotted on the shoulders of Audrina Patridge and Ashley Tisdale, this unknown went from reaching a niche to masses who wanted to look like their favorite celebrity. Now Rebel Yell is sold in most large department stores. While this spells fame for the label's name, it also spells trouble. Can labels like those mentioned above still be considered indie if their niche is gone?

That answer largely depends on how we, the consumers of these items, see it. We here at Chasing Pumas are still baffled by it ourselves to be honest. It seems that at some point these labels become trends, and then contradictions. After all, a trend is partially defined by its popularity, and independent labels are usually quite the opposite. In fact, the beauty of indie fashion is that it offers truly unique pieces that can't be found elsewhere for a relatively low price. Only time can tell. We just hope celebrities won't popularize every indie fashion label, and kill off this trend before it really has a chance to take hold.

Us Trendy

One of the best places to go to for indie fashion right now is a site called Us Trendy. They are an online store that hosts small unknown designers. From dresses with a retro feel, to truly vintage pieces, this site has a wide selection and a wide price range. Items range from ten bucks to a thousand, so it really fits any budget.

We have included a photo above of one of our favorite pieces from the site. It retails for only seventy-nine dollars and is by designer Lina Pliuraite. It and much more can be found at http://www.ustrendy.com/.

Twisted Trends

Baby Booms and Baby Names

Hollywood is known for being the first to set trends. However, the trends this place sets are not just revolutionary when it comes to fashion, hair, and makeup, but even in the way of baby names. Yes, Hollywood is making motherhood hot with its recent baby boom, but the trend it is trying to set is not.

Apples, Pilots, and Bears, Oh My!

The trend Hollywood is trying to set when it comes to baby names is not only obscure, but a bit twisted. From Jessica Alba's daughter, Honor, to Gwyneth Paltrow's more famous daughter, Apple, celebrities are trying to reinvent the baby wheel. This has us curious in more ways than one. Are celebrities trying to reinvent this wheel because they cannot keep it turning?

While we at Chasing Pumas feel that the baby wheel should be kept turning on its own, the criticism is not stopping celebrities from this trend. The most recent celebrities to keep this trend going are Mariah Carey and Alicia Silverstone. Carey is now the proud mother of healthy twins. However, their names evoke more embarrassment and less pride.

Carey's son is named Moroccan, after her favorite room in her home. Her daughter's name is Monroe, after legendary star, Marilyn Monroe. I think the names speak for themselves here.

As if Mariah Carey naming her son after a nationality is not bad enough, Alicia Silverstone is pushing the wheel even more. Her son's name is Bear Blu. While we are not sure about the reasoning behind that yet, it is safe to assume it has something to do with her being a vegetarian.

Letting Go of the Wheel

The point of listing these names is neither to ridicule nor exalt. Instead, the names are just examples of a trend that leaves us questioning. It also makes us wonder if the days of mundane names like John, Joe, and Sarah, which are often the products of family tradition, are long gone.

Only time will tell if this trend dies out or lives on. The most recent examples point to the latter. In our opinion, Hollywood should stick to what it knows best, which is setting fashion and style trends. Moreover, instead of reinventing the wheel when it comes to baby names, it may be best to let the wheel go. All we know for sure is that we are not on board when it comes to this trend.

Fitness is in Fashion

Fitness Trends

From gyms that offer tanning and Botox, to shaking weights that promise sculpted arms with little effort, fitness and its trends are always in fashion. Some of the latest trends to emerge in fitness are Zumba, pole dancing, and what some consider the “greatest” of all these trends, P90x. So what exactly is this latest trend and is it worth our precious time? That is what we at Chasing Pumas are setting out to find.

P90X: Defining It

Power 90 Extreme, better known as P90X, is a workout system designed by personal trainer Tony Horton. This fitness system is fairly new to the game, but is already well on its way to becoming a craze. Using interval training, the system largely depends on the body itself, no bells and whistles. The system promises to transform the body in 90 days from frumpy to hunky, with workouts that shed close to 1,000 calories in 90 minutes.

Taking it to the Extreme

After overcoming nerves and finally borrowing the DVD pack from a friend, we at Chasing Pumas are now trying the program out for ourselves. Needless to say, the pace is fast and so are we. We are working our way from one DVD to the next while also trying to follow the protein-packed meal plan. We are already starting to feel the pain and see the gain after just a few weeks. However, we also have to be mentally prepared for the pain we endure each time we play the DVDs.

Extreme Results

The results early on are already dramatic, but so is the work it takes to get them. We are 30 days in with some positive results. Our buns burn, our arms are getting sculpted, and our thighs jiggle less. We even see the first signs of abs peeking through with a two-pack. We can only imagine what 60 more days will bring!

While the results are desired, they also take work to attain. Like the saying goes, “no pain, no gain.” Horton and P90X seem to follow this philosophy. However, they take it to a condensed and intense level. The system takes what the average exercise enthusiast does a few times a week, and puts it on exercise steroids. By the end of it, a six-pack is sure to be achieved. While we personally feel that the extremeness of the workout system is becoming somewhat unnecessary for our goals, that decision is ultimately up to the individual. All we can say is that P90X lives up the hype and the name.

"A Future Queen in Alexander McQueen"

Happily Ever After

Last Friday, April 29, people around the world witnessed a fairy-tale come to life, and we at "Chasing Pumas" were a privileged part of that group. As we sat in front of our TV screens and watched the royal wedding of Prince William to Katherine Middleton, we could not help but find our own happily ever after. However, our fairy tale did not begin with the announcement of the royal engagement. Rather, it began when Katherine Middleton stepped out of her carriage and began to process into Westminster. This fairy tale was one of fashion.

The Label behind the Lace

Kate Middleton’s wedding gown was not only much anticipated, but designed by the fashion label known as Alexander McQueen. Though Alexander himself committed suicide this past year at the tender age of 41, his protégé Sarah Burton continued to keep his label at the top. She worked under the fashion label and in secret to design Kate Middleton’s one-of-a-kind gown.

Kate’s First Decree: One of Fashion

The nuptials certainly evoked tears, but not just for the love shared between the bride and her groom. Kate Middleton’s dress proved every bit worth the wait, and why it was only fitting she become a royal. Our excitement was over the fact that Kate brought back lace, length, and sleeves.

Timeless, classic, and eternal, the embroidered ball gown was reminiscent of Grace Kelly’s own, worn in her royal nuptials years ago. Thanks to Kate years later, this modest trend has re-emerged. It was a welcome departure from the slits, strapless, and altogether boring dresses we have become used to seeing on brides. Surely women around the world have taken note, as designers across the globe went to work hours after the nuptials to imitate the look. The only unfortunate part was that it took almost 50 years for this trend to return. However, it did thanks to Princess Katherine. When she made her way down the altar this future queen in McQueen also made her first decree: off with the strapless and on with the sleeves!

"Life's Three Big F's: Fashion, Fitness, and Food"

We are used to posting fashion and art trends here at “Chasing Pumas,” but as we all know, looking good goes back to feeling good. Feeling good goes back to health, and before we can show off those bodies we have to make sure we are aware of what we are putting in them. Seeing as summer is just around the corner, a food trend post is only befitting.

One of the latest health food trends is Greek yogurt. However, not all yogurts are created equally. That is why we want to help you out with choosing the best one. After much taste-testing and researching into brands, our favorite brand was Chobani Greek yogurt. Why you ask? It was one of the few yogurts that packed a killer combination of nutrients and taste. With filling serving sizes, these little dairy products will trick your mind into thinking it's a sweet treat. Here is some more information we got from the labels to help you decide if this trend is right for you:

· 140-160 calories

· flavors ranging from pomegranate to pineapple and lemon, which are our personal favorites

· probiotics

· 15g of protein on average

· 0-2.5g of fat

As you can see, these little yogurts pack a healthy and tasty punch. The problem is this latest food is a latest trend selling out on store shelves everywhere. People actually have to make requests, and the stuff is on back-order in many markets. The only down side is for diabetics, because some of the flavors can pack up to 20g of sugar! Aside from that, they are a way better alternative to regular yogurts. So pick one up today if you can, and you'll be one step closer to looking good and feeling what Tony the Tiger calls "grrreat!" Stay tuned for more healthy food trends that will help you fit into fashion!