Fashion flavor of the day: lemonade smoothie

When life gives you lemons, make curated fashion lists.

Yesterday, Buzz Jeans kicked off a delicious feature called fashion flavor of the day, where we bring you some tasty summer fashion along with recipes for the delectable treats that inspired our color palette.

Yesterday was all about strawberries, but today we're feeling a little zesty, and so, we're honoring the humble lemon, with our favorite duds in this fresh yellow hue.

81 Hours Ivette Crop Top in Lime Punch

Sweet and simple as a lemon square, 81 Hours is keeping it fresh and easy with their 100% cotton Ivette Crop Top, a staple summer  T-shirt with a fun citrus punch. Want a sexy but effortless effect? Add a denim short-short.

If you haven't had your fill of colored denim yet (who has?) there are more brights on the way, with Hudson's latest Stiletto Skinny Jean in vibrant, lemony Neon Yellow.

With just enough stretch for a perfect fit, these citrus jeans have a bit of fading and light distressing for a laid-back, summery look.

Current Elliott The Stiletto Colored Skinny Jean in Neon Yellow

So, while you're just taking it easy in a sweet little tee or some bright jeans, we were thinking you might like to be sipping on a minty lemonade smoothie, or nibbling on a little lemon square (apparently, they're called lemon bars in the US?) No worries, because we dug up some recipes for both.

While lemon squares pose a bit more of a challenge. Any idiot can make a minty lemonade smoothie. I know, because I worked at a café where people who couldn't subtract $4 from $5 regularly made perfect batches. 

It's easy: prep some lemonade in advance (or get store bought), put a cup of ice in a blender, toss in 2 cups of lemonade and 5 - 8 mint leaves (or enough to give the smoothie has a greenish color), and blend. 

The following recipe from Cafe Liz varies a bit, but it's not an exact science, and will give you an idea of quantities.

And if you're a little more experienced in the kitchen, you can always give these lemon bars a go. They're a delicate and fresh-flavored summer dessert and are basically addictive.

Fashion flavor of the day: strawberry shortcake

This month, Buzz Jeans is serving up a delicious little dose of our latest fashion inspiration, with the best of two worlds in one place. 

To all you bon vivants out there who enjoy all of life's little pleasures, we're bringing you a flavor a day, with curated fashion inspired by some of our favorite summer treats. But here's the really tasty part. We're hooking you up with the recipes too!

Strawberries are one of the highlights of summer and, with this year's explosion of brights in everything from basics to jeans and dresses, this rosy red hue has been a hit with fashion as well.

Hudson Krista Crop Skinny Jeans in Cherry Leopard

Okay, so these Hudson jeans are actually described as a "cherry" red, but because they're on the pinkish side, we're ignoring that fact and saying the Krista Crop Skinny Jeans are full on strawberry, if not wild strawberry.

That's because these fitted cropped jeans are not only a bright kicking example of this juicy hue, they're actually subtly patterned in leopard print. Hmm...dangerous, and delicious?

Next up, strawberry shortcake wouldn't be anything without the whipped cream, and that combo is reminiscent of the sweet yet rustic red and white combo of Free People's Sheer Gingham Button Down in Strawberry Combo.

One part sweet and innocent, one part sheer and sexy, it's a recipe that's bound to whet some appetites.

Free People Sheer Gingham Button Down in Strawberry Combo

Now for the hands-on part. We found this super simple and easy to follow YouTube recipe tutorial on making strawberry shortcake from an adorable Japanese girl who made it for her darling's birthday.

She lists all her ingredients in the comments section and rates the recipe as medium difficulty.

Now, if you're like this blogger and "medium difficulty" sounds more like "you're going to set the kitchen on fire," then here's an easy happy hour alternative that's always  welcome.

This strawberry daiquiri recipe from AllRecipes.com only calls for strawberries, sugar, ice, lemon and lime juice, lemon-lime soda, oh yeah, and rhum. They say 3/4 cups for 8 servings but we say put however much you want. 

George is probably at home right now having  "daiquiris," but hold the ice, the soda, the juice and the sugar. In fact, he says, hold the glass too, 'cause he'll drink it right out of the bottle. Oh, yeah.

You can check out quantities and ingredients here.

Fashion goes Kapow! The superhero trend

With all the hype surrounding the recent release of The Avengers, as well as the upcoming Batman trilogy conclusion The Dark Knight Rises – not to mention new Superman, Spiderman, Ironman, and X-Men films expected for 2013 – it seems everyone is feeling pretty super.

Peter Pilotto's Superman Palette, Spring 2012

Photo shoot for Time Style & Design, featuring Tom Hiddleston and Michelle Dockery as time travelers

That includes the fashion world, as bright colors and comic book silhouettes have been getting a well-timed revival. 

Of course, the powerful looks we've been seeing on the runways,  onthe red carpet, and in magazines aren't exact copies of any one superhero's costume (thank goodness this trend isn't all about skin tight rubber). 

But primary colors, especially red and blue have been packing a punch, as in Peter Pilotto's Spring 2012 Collection or in the above spread from Time Style & Design.

Style hero Odette Yustman in Monique Lhuillier at the 2012 Academy Awards

Reverse Bandage Dress with Cut-Out Details in Magenta And Blue

You'd probably have a better chance of disarming Superman with this dress than you would with kryptonite.

Not to be one-upped by anyone, label Reverse has unleashed a secret weapon of their own. 

Bold, sexy, and fun, their Bandage Dress in magenta and blue accents the tight bandage-style bodice with eek-a-boo cut-outs and goes for a little extra drama with an extended tail on the skirt. Kapow!

The Fantastic 4's invisible woman, played by Jessica Alba in the film Version

Jessica Alba wears a dress by Michael Kors that bears some resemblance to her superhero character's comic book costume

And while other designers are forgoing the traditional superhero primary tones, cut-outs and harnesses are one feature that can't simply be banished like Magneto to a glass prison, or like all of Batman's foes to Arkham Asylum.

Jessica Alba recently wore a Michael Kors dress with both those features. And coincidentally, we find it looks a little like the original  suit of the Invisible Woman, who she actually played in the Fantastic 4.

Finders Keepers Call On Me Body Dress with Harness Detail  in Black and Nude

In any case, Finders Keepers is certainly in on this trend, with the harnesed Call On Me Body Dress and the cut-out accented Blueberry Kisses Dress.

Finders Keepers Blueberry Kisses Dress with Cut-Out Details in Spearmint & Stone

Now, if only we at Buzz Jeans had our own superpower, except of course for our amazing ability to see into the future, which we use all the time. 

But that only works for predicting fashion, and we never really know who's going to get elected, who we'll marry, or whether or not the groundhog will show up on groundhog's day.

Religion's latest: were converted!

Oversized Union Jack Sweater with Torn Detail from Religion's Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

Religion's latest Spring/Summer collection is officially out, and we at Buzz Jeans wouldn't be very good devotees if we weren't already following it, well, religiously.

Printed Polka Dot Allure Blouse from Religion's Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

The UK label's signature punk and rock influence is there once again, but, as always, it's balanced by a sort of hard-edge femininity. 

The current collection naturally features Religion's trusty tees and sweaters, like the Live East Die Young cropped tee, or their Oversized Pullover with Distressed Union Jack.

Religion Live East Die Young Tee in White

But there are a number of much more feminine – if not more sophisticated – pieces too. Their Storming Raven maxi dress is uncharacteristically formal, at least by the standards of typical rock-n-roll chick.

And though their Victoria Wash printed maxi tank dress is much more laid-back, it's still super sexy, with a bit of cling and a teasing scoop neck.

Religion Storming Raven Printed Maxi Dress

Religion Victoria Wash Printed Maxi Tank Dress in White

But it seems we're not the only converts to Religion's British punk-inspired aesthetic this year. 

The label's known to have attracted artists across the music scene in the past, the latest of which is Rihanna, who appropriately wore this oversized pullover with distressed Union Jack and tear detail while on a trip to London. Capital!

Rihanna in London wearing Religion's Oversized Union Jack Sweater with Torn Detail

A summer with Insight: road trips and peyote dreams

If there's one brand that define what summer means to me, it's Insight.

Laid back, comfortable, and free-spirited, Insight was born from the surf and skate scenes and has grown into a catch-all label for anyone whose idea of a good time doesn't have to involve heels, credit cards, or cover charges.

When summer rolls around, my best girlfriend and I spend most of it on a bicycle, in flip-flops. We prefer to spend time ambling through Montreal's little neighborhood streets in the sun than blow-drying our hair, or getting pedicures.

We'll lie on the grass in a park and she'll tell me about her 3 month road trip in Mexico in "the rat-mobile, Mexico's ugliest car." Or about cooking ramen noodles on the car radiator, or various experiments with trippy substances.

Insight Peyote Dreams Tee in Floyd Black

I couldn't help but draw the connection between our lazy summer outings and Insight's chill take on chic, especially when considering references like their Peyote Dreams tee or Road Trippin' tank.

And it's just that kind of sun-kissed, "go where the world takes you" kind of vibe I get from Insight. Anyone who's at all familliar with the label will get what I'm saying.

And anyone who's not just has to take a look at their down to earth campaigns and nonchalant aesthetic to catch my drift.

Maybe the connection is just a personal one. Maybe everyone else who digs Insight just likes the way their clothes look. But I definitely see me and my best friend represented in the atmosphere they've created.

The sad part is my friend is leaving on another road trip this summer, and this time, it's much more final. We'll probably see each other once every few years, until we really have to grow up and get too busy even for that.

Insight Tribal Grunge Jumpsuit

Insight Road Trippin' Tank in Floyd Black

But I don't think I'm being short-sighted in saying that, even when the time comes for us to spend most of every day at an office, we'll still be bumming around on our summer days off in short shorts and printed tanks, strumming guitars in bare feet.

Thanks Insight for totally getting it, at least in the case of this girl.

At the table with Jacks & Jokers

Joker from a vintage deck of Bicycle playing cards

Jacks & Jokers Vince King Mono Vintage-Inspired Graphic T-Shirt in Charcoal

Well, you've gotta' know when to hold, know when to fold, know when to walk away, and know when to run. But most importantly, you'va gotta' know how to give credit where credit is due.

If the name didn't already give it away, Jacks & Jokers is pretty much the clothing industry's homage to card makers and card players.

Ace Playing card from Bee, established in 1892

Joker Playing card from Bee, established in 1892

The T-shirt line's graphic, printed tees continually draw on vintage designs and logos, namely from old American playing card companies. Not surprisingly, Jacks and Jokers are among their most frequently used designs.

Bicycle card brand's old Joker appears on their Vince King Mono Tee, and both the Joker and and Ace from Bee's old designs are the main elements of Jacks & Jokers' Bee Fade Tee.

Jacks & Jokers Bee Fade Vintage-Inspired Graphic T-Shirt in Tri-Gray

Jacks & Jokers Bee Fade Vintage-Inspired Graphic T-Shirt in Tri-Gray

And the hard to find "Cupid" design that ran on decks of Bicycle cards between 1894 and 1943 has been revived in a pretty big way on the label's Giant Bike tee.

Bicycle card brand's "Cupid" design, 1894-1943

Jacks & Jokers Giant Bike Vintage-Inspired T-Shirt in Mint

Classic American playing cards and a nod to the gambler lifestyle are in themselves cool enough in a timeless and manly sort of way.

But Jacks & Jokers have a little star power to their credit as well, with celebrity fans like George Clooney and Entourage guys Adrian Grenier and Kevin Dillon all rocking them these days.

Kevin Dillon in Jacks & Jokers. Look, he and his t-shirt swap facial hair tips!

Adrian Grenier in Jacks & Jokers, looking more like a jack-ace than a joker here

George Clooney in Jacks & Jokers: wear bicycle t-shirt, get into private jet.

CC Skye's uptown bling

My, oh my! CC Skye is back at Buzz Jeans with all their signature urban glamour. 

The fashion-forward jewellery label makes its home in Los Angeles, where it's found a number of fans among tinseltown's elite. 

A 30s look, modernized: CC Skye Monaco Enamel Deco Bangle in Black

CC Skye SOHO Enamel Deco Bangle in White

CC Skye Saint Tropez Enamel Deco Bangle in Black

Celebrity fans, from Rihanna and Hilary Duff to Eva Mendes and Nicole Richie have stepped out in CC Skye's glittering wares, even when they could be sporting diamonds the size of golf balls, or heirloom pearls.

Maybe that's because CC Skye's collection of cuffs, bangles, rings, earrings and necklaces have a youth appeal that more traditional, precious jewellery often lacks. 

CC Skye Mi Corazon Bracelet in Neon Pink Leather

CC Skye Mi Corazon Bracelet in lack Leather

Always ahead of the curve, the label is best at statement pieces that work the latest trends into one-of-a-kind creations. Neon, for instance is one of the label's latest themes, and it shows up in pieces like the Mi Corazon Bracelet and Maya Hinge Bracelet. 

It's an unexpected pairing with flashy gold-tone hardware, but one that blends classy and cool so seamlessly it's a wonder it hasn't been done before.

 

CC Skye Two FInger Triple Spike Ring in Gold

CC Skye Studded Faithful Bracelet in Black Snakeskin Leather and Gold

Other street trends, like punk-style spikes, are big design influences as well. 

Long the property of squeegee kids and headbangers, CC Skye has appropriated  and glammed up golden spikes for covet-worthy pieces like the Faithful Bracelet or Triple Spike Ring.

 

CC Skye Maya Hinge Bracelet in Neon Yellow Leather

CC Skye Maya Hinge Bracelet in Neon Pink Leather

CC Skye Maya Hinge Bracelet in Black Leather

CC Skye also gives a glamour girl touch to hardware with a  hardcore look – sturdy hinges, screws, and chain, as in the Madison Cuff, get gilded for a high-shine impact.

There are of course, some classic, feminine pieces in the CC Skye collection, like their Monaco, SOHO, and Saint Tropez Enamel Bangles, but even there, a modern geometric shape adds a little youth to a sophisticated classic. 

CC Skye Madison Cuff Woven Leather and Chain Bracelet in Black and Gold