Month: July 2019

If you’re familiar with how quickly Zara comes out with new product, it should come as no surprise that the retailer is already chock-full of the biggest fall 2019 trends. Summer isn’t even over, yet somehow Zara has us convinced the only pieces we need to be buying are the ones that will help build out our fall wardrobes. Not even sure what your fall wardrobe should entail? Don’t fret—check out this story for the full lowdown and you’ll be more than prepared for the selection ahead. 

From period pieces to anything dripping in crystals, this coming fall is one for the books. Every color trend, every shoe trend, and every overall theme will get you a little less depressed over the fact that summer is quickly coming to an end. Between the 10 fall 2019 trends ahead, at least one is guaranteed to tickle your fancy and have you filling your online shopping carts to the brim because I can promise you all of us Who What Wear editors have already maxed out. 

In case you haven’t heard, Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is currently running through August 4 (after that, prices go back up), and we’ve been doing our part to make navigating the sale easier for you. We’ve been committed to recommending the sale’s very best fashion and beauty finds, and this time, we’re talking about shoes, actually even better: comfortable shoes.

With its vast selection of styles like sneakers, flats, and boots, and brands ranging from high to low, Nordstrom is perhaps the best retailer there is for seeking out comfortable shoes. And lo and behold, plenty of them are included in the sale, and they’re more affordable than ever with prices ranging from $47 to a still reasonable $190. To make things really interesting, we chose the most stylish and comfortable pairs that truly have a cost per wear of less than $5 if worn a reasonable number of times each week for the next 25 weeks. So you can rest assured that you’re truly getting your money’s worth with these 13 sale shoes. Keep scrolling to shop the shoes and see a couple of outfits that each versatile pair would work with. (And don’t worry—we did the cost-per-wear math for you!)

These Nike sneakers are comfortable for obvious reasons (and there’s no denying this chic color combination). Plus, sneakers are something you’ll feasibly wear multiple times a week.

The math: $75 sneakers ÷ 4 wears/week for 25 weeks = $0.75 per wear

Black ankle boots will always be among our top 10 wardrobe staples, and this pair is particularly luxe and expensive-looking, thanks to the croc embossing. Bonus: One review states, “The block heel is stable and really comfortable to stand and walk in.”

The math: $110 boots ÷ 2 wears/week for 25 weeks = $2.20 per wear

The ultimate polished throw-them-on-and-go shoes, these block-heel mules are the pair you’ll reach for constantly this fall. 

The math: $60 mules ÷ 1 wear/week for 25 weeks = $2.40 per wear

Given how versatile these patent leather sandals are, it’s very feasible that you’ll wear them multiple times from now through mid-fall, so consider them a great investment. Plus, these feature a walkable heel and supportive straps.

The math: $190 sandals ÷ 3 wears/week for 25 weeks = $2.50 per wear

Loafers are one of those shoe styles that becomes a trend from time to time, but the truth is that they’re timeless and look great with a surprising number of outfits. The other good news is that Born is one of the most comfortable shoe brands on the market.

The math: $60 loafers ÷ 2 wears/week for 25 weeks = $1.60 per wear

Snakeskin boots with neutral colors are nearly as versatile as solid-colored boots, so it’s safe to say that you’ll find opportunities to wear this perfect pair at least once a week. Early reviews state that these are quite comfortable.

The math: $80 boots ÷ 1 wear/week for 25 weeks = $3.20 per wear

Pumps are a basic that will never go out of style (just ask Kate Middleton). Especially if you work in an office, you need a neutral pair for those outfits that require something simple and polished. Additionally, this pair features a cushioned insole.

The math: $80 pumps ÷ 2 wears/week for 25 weeks = $1.60 per wear

Sam Edelman boots are a crowd favorite, and we love how classic yet on-trend this slouchy suede pair is. These are the perfect boots to wear with skinny jeans come fall.

The math: $150 high black boots ÷ 2 wears/week for 25 weeks = $3 per wear

Ballet flats are a significant fall shoe trend, and this is the perfect time to refresh your collection. Plus, Cole Haan’s comfort technology has always been a leader in the footwear industry, and you can bet that this fun pair is no exception.

The math: $100 ballet flats ÷ 1 wear/week for 25 weeks = $4 per wear

Another Born pair (because comfort), wear these with minidresses now and loose jeans later to channel the most stylish models on the street style scene.

The math: $100 combat boots ÷ 3 wears/week for 25 weeks = $1.30 per wear

These easy, simple mules will quickly become your go-tos for casual weekend days. Reviewers rave that they’re sturdy, comfortable, and sleek.

The math: $55 flat mules ÷ 2 wears/week for 25 weeks = $1.10 per wear

The only thing we love more than the traditional canvas Chuck Taylors is this luxe leather pair. Wear them with everything from leopard print jeans to slip dresses and call it a day.

The math: $47 classic white sneakers ÷ 4 wears/week for 25 weeks = $0.47 per wear

Hunter Rain Boots are the holy grail of rain boot brands, and this pair is packable. Pair them with skinny jeans or even dresses on dreary fall and winter days.

The math: $90 rain boots ÷ 1 wear/week for 25 weeks = $3.60 per wear

Next up, 19 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale finds our editors wear on the regular.

Opening Image: @monikh

Here’s the thing—the likelihood of having stained or yellow teeth is kind of inevitable. After all, most of us have some kind of vice—be it coffee, tea, wine, or, eek, even smoking—and many of us have better things to be doing than brushing our teeth every other second or spending gobs of money on teeth whitening treatments. But here’s the other thing, almost everyone I know covets a whiter and brighter smile. Perhaps, it comes down to a deep-seated evolutionary need. After doing some research, I discovered “chew sticks,” aka what people back in 3000 B.C. used and munched on in order to rid their teeth of stain-inducing particles. Don’t you just love learning something new every day? Anyway, back to the point at hand: whitening tips.

These days, you can walk into almost any beauty retailer—from Walmart to Violet Grey to Sephora—and you’ll notice an onslaught of oral hygiene products all geared toward whitening and smile-perfecting. Be it gel-laden pens, fancy-schmancy toothbrushes, or actual whitening systems, oral hygiene and beauty have officially collided. But, do these at-home whitening treatments truly work? Are they comparable to the professional treatments you’d receive in-office in the care of an actual dentist? I wanted the lowdown.

Enter, Matt Nejad, one of the most in-demand dentists in the country, teeth perfector to some very cool celebrities I’m not allowed to name, and renowned for his advanced biomimetic and cosmetic dentistry expertise. Impressed yet? After meeting Nejad in person and visiting his very chic dental practice, Helm-Nejad-Stanley in West Hollywood, I immediately knew I had to ask him for all his best whitening tips. Ahead, what works, what doesn’t, and what you should or shouldn’t expect from a variety of whitening trends and products. Plus, he’s also setting the record straight on some popular whitening misconceptions. Keep scrolling!

As Nejad explains, if done properly, teeth whitening is extremely safe and bears basically zero risk to your health or the integrity of your teeth. Of course, if you overdo it and use too high concentrations of whitening gel, you may make your own bed regarding sensitivity, pain, or even potential root canals, but let’s be clear: That’s not the norm. 

“Some whitening methods recommend using something acidic or abrasive to remove the surface layer of your enamel,” warns Nejad. “However, this is not recommended and all safe whitening methods do not rely on removing from the teeth, but rather changing their color only.”

One of the most common misconceptions about teeth whitening is how fleeting the results are. But again, it’s not the whitening treatment that’s fleeting; it’s probably your maintenance plan—or lack thereof. 

As Nejad explains, a whitening treatment (wether done at home or in-office) will truly change the color of your teeth, but if you neglect your oral hygiene habits and drink all the wine, coffee, and other stain-instigating foods you want, your teeth will, obviously, re-accumulate stains fast and furiously. 

“Just like if you were to bleach a T-shirt, it will get stained and discolored over time if you don’t clean and maintain it properly,” Nejad explains. “The reality is whitening produces permanent changes of color, however, maintenance is required to not only keep the teeth this color but to also counteract staining for extended periods of time.”

“Again, whitening will truly change the color of your teeth—it is much more than just removing a stain,” clarifies Nejad. “When you first start whitening, the surface stains are the first thing to be removed. However, as you continue to whiten you’re actually changing the color of the tooth to become lighter and lighter.” Eventually, he says, you’ll achieve a smile that is much lighter and brighter than it ever was originally. 

According to Nejad, all in-office whitening treatments still use hydrogen peroxide or a variation known as carbamide peroxide to whiten your teeth. But, and this is a big but, the concentrations that a particular dentist or treatment utilizes will vary, which will directly impact your whitening results. For instance, I’ve personally received multiple in-office whitening treatments that have yielded lesser results than the strips I pick up at the drugstore—you’ve been warned!)

“Compared with over-the-counter strips, these in-office concentrations can vary from low to high,” Nejad confirms. “There are a variety of techniques that also involve using a light to activate the gel, but the science on this subject is clear—the light does NOT enhance the effectiveness or results of the gel.“

As Nejad explains receiving the maximum or super-high concentration of a whitening gel can definitely boost the brightness of your teeth, but it can lead to complications such as sensitivity or discomfort in some patients. Plus, you need multiple sessions for truly noticeable results. 

“If you opt for an in-office whitening treatment, you should plan for three to five sessions over the course of a few months, and the cost will vary between $300 to $1000 per session, depending on treatment time, location, and the experience of the professional,” he says. “On the other hand, custom trays can be made for the same price as just one session and they can be used repeatedly from the comfort of your own home. Plus, refills are significantly less costly at $50 to $100 for a larger number of applications.” 

You know we like some swimwear trend coverage over here on Who What Wear. During peak swimwear months, we’re bringing you near-daily updates, discussing everything from the micro-trend the most fashionable girls are endorsing to the under-$150 bikinis celebrities are wearing. So naturally, when I was invited to take part in #RevolveSummer at Cuixmala in Mexico, I sensed a fresh crop of swim field research was imminent. Swim destination? Check. A group of the world’s most influential women on Instagram? Check.

Last time I looked, Revolve offers almost 4000 different styles in the swimwear section of its site, so you better believe I was interested in what trends these women were adding to their carts. To prepare for the trip, attendees get to browse the e-commerce site and have their shopping cart picks sent to them in advance (for outfit planning, naturally). Despite such a vast selection to pick from, some clear trends emerged among the group. Scroll down to see which styles gained favor (and a whole lot of likes), and shop the looks for yourself. 

The apron-cut top and dress is a ’90s-era trend that’s back in full force at the moment. We love how the look translates to swimwear.

Crop tops have graduated from trend to staple status. Accordingly, styling a bikini top with clothing makes the perfect tropical outfit. Who What Wear editors are so on board with the concept that we even rounded up the best swimsuits that weirdly look better as summer tops. 

Buckles, zippers, and belts, oh my! Whichever way you want to wear hardware, you’re guaranteed a look that makes a major impact this summer. 

Animal print is a perennially chic trend and one of the more timeless looks of the bunch. Opt for classic leopard or take it up a notch with more of-the-moment zebra print. 

We called this trend at the top of swim season back in April, and it’s only gaining popularity as we head into the dog days of summer. Equal parts style and support, this bra-inspired bikini top is a smart summer investment.

NYC girls know what’s up in the style department. But that’s what you get when you live in one of the fashion capitals of the world that has design practically injected into its core. So naturally, I turn to this set when scouting the coolest trends. In fact, on a recent escapade through Manhattan, I noticed that the most fashionable women are already toting around some of the freshest handbag silhouettes. I’m talking about those cool new shapes we saw all over the fall runways but didn’t expect to make moves IRL until September or October. 

Sure, summer is still kicking, but if you want a jump start on building that forward fall wardrobe, taking a cue from these trendsetting New Yorkers will ensure your upcoming bag game is on point. With that, I rounded up the six next-wave handbag trends I’m starting to see all over the city. Keep scrolling for a bit of visual and shopping inspiration—and stay ahead of the curve (just like the NYC style set).

While the minimalist silhouettes we’ve been spotting will still hold strong, bags with heavy hardware will also have a moment next season. Here, we’re talking bulky chains and metal accents to make a serious impact.

Amp up your cool factor by embracing check prints in either a classic black-and-white combo or a multicolor situation.

Varying shades of green made their mark throughout spring and summer, and the color—especially kelly green—will be a frontrunner in the bag realm come fall. Trust us. You’ll turn all heads toting around the eye-catching hue.

Your favorite top-handle silhouette is getting an architectural upgrade this season featuring sharp lines and sleek angles. If you need a quick fix to elevate your ensemble, this trend is definitely your best bet.

While they might not fit your entire life, that’s not stopping the fashion universe’s continued obsession with mini bags. This season, the smaller the better for your next event or night out.

Add instant polish to your fall ‘fits with a fancy-feeling handbag featuring luxe details like mock croc and shiny finishes.

Next, check out the best black bags under $100.