Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Back to the Basics (#2)

Similar to what I said in my previous post, white shirts are essential. They are one of my favorite things to wear and they look good on everyone. I have been wearing them a lot recently (even more than usual). Just yesterday actually I wore a white button down oxford style shirt with a brown leather jacket. The white shirt is really preppy (from Rugby by Ralph Lauren) while the leather jacket is a lot edgier. It has a double breasted style, with some braided accents and some cool zipper details too. (definitely much cuter than I'm describing.) I paired the jacket and shirt with eggplant colored J.Brand skinny jeans. It took me about 30 minutes to decide what shoes to wear but I went with an edgy pair of ankle boots (similar to Stuart Weitzman's Title ankle boots but not nearly as cute! http://www.stuartweitzman.com/womens-boots/booties/) For jewelry I wore a pair of chandelier style gold earrings with a simple gold necklace and a men's style watch. It was unseasonably warm yesterday so the outfit worked perfectly and I wasn't too hot or too cold (added bonus, however, fashion knows not of comfort but the face you show the world. But I only live by that rule sometimes)

I really like the look of a simple, clean cut white shirt with colored jeans. It looks great on almost everyone and its something that can really be adapted based on what you plan on doing that day or what the weather is. And while I don't approve of people who wear winter clothes in the summer or summer clothes in the winter; this is an outfit that can really transition between both.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Back to the Basics. (#1)

The solid white button-down shirt has been and will always be a staple in every woman's closet (and man's closet too). So how do you wear yours? There are countless ways to style a white button down shirt and over the next few days I will provide you with a couple of ways I have worn button downs in the past.

White shirt + Jeans (or corduroys!) This is the typical way to wear a white shirt. In order to avoid being extremely boring and predictable change things up. Wear black or navy blazer but don't tuck in your shirt.

(J.Crew Double Breasted Ivy Blazer $228)
Or do tuck in your shirt but wear a fun belt, like neon pink or leopard print; something that would totally throw off the classic look of a button down.
(J.Crew Amina Belt in Bohemian Red $52)
 Then, add some jewelry like big statement necklaces, cocktail rings, or obnoxiously big earrings.

(Kate Spade Marina Bay Long Necklace in Red/Navy $98)
Get creative with your accessories, try something new. Instead of a necklace wear a patterned scarf, like a bright floral or leopard. The last two parts of the outfit are shoes and bags. Where you are going and what you will be doing should dictate which shoes you wear. If you're going to be walking a lot then wear flats, cute sandals, or comfortable heels. If there is less walking then wear wedges, booties, or heels. Whichever suits you best. Your purse should also be dictated by what you will be doing and where you will be going. If you're going out at night or in the evening then carry a bright clutch but if you're wearing this during the day then carry a bigger bag. 
















Waiting for Clouds to Break.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Get to the point.

Get to the point.

Madewell striped tee
$48 - madewell.com

J.Crew slim fit jeans
$125 - jcrew.com

Lanvin chain necklace
$274 - kirnazabete.com

Michael Kors crystal watch
£199 - julesb.co.uk

Traditional Wallpaper
$245 - houzz.com

For Beautiful Eyes...

Ok, normally I talk about how I don't like the whole hipster look however, this girl has it down. So props to her and I love her videos.

SmokeyPinkLeopard

Check her out on youtube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWQMryqF4Xg&feature=g-u-u&context=G245e8e4FUAAAAAAAIAA

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Whites and Brights.

Dayglow and neon apparel used to be reserved for crazy concerts or frat parties; now however, people are incorporating neon into their everyday outfits. This is one trend that I personally LOVE. While it is not as big this year as it was last year, I still see designers making neon pink or orange pumps, and J.Crew is still creating neon azalea blouses and sweaters (personal favorite). This trend is also one of the more easy ones to wear and make your own. All you really need is something neon. Then pair it with some neutral colors so you don't look like your a walking add for a Dayglow concert. Some great neon pieces that I love are neon pink or blue blouses, they look amazing with dark or white jeans and can be dressed up or dressed down. I am also a big fan of neon ballet flats or sandals. They are very fun and summery and they will also bring out your tan! Another neon thing that I absolutely adore is neon pink nail polish. I wear it all the time in the spring and it brings out your tan and adds a subtle pop of neon to every outfit without being trashy.

Another great thing about the neon trend is that it can be preppy or hipster. You can really wear this one however you want. It also doesn't limit you like some other trends will. The '70s trend and the '20s trend are great however they can be very limiting in some aspects. Neon however, is much more interpretational. Anything bright or neon will work and will look good with a lot of things; and you don't have to go all out neon to pull it off. I actually suggest that you don't wear all neon.

Friday, January 13, 2012

On That Neon Grind.

On That Neon Grind.

Splendid v neck t shirt
£58 - net-a-porter.com

7 For All Mankind short shorts
blueheavenboutique.com

Tory Burch ballet flat
€159 - mytheresa.com

Juicy couture jewelry
$25 - juicycouture.com

Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses
$195 - mytheresa.com

J Crew wool scarve
£14 - net-a-porter.com

Neon Nail Polish
$6 - americanapparel.net

Nails In Green Room
£5 - topshop.com

Nighty Night, Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite

Prior to 2012 if you wore pajamas out in public you would be perceived as lazy, or unfashionable but now the tides have turned; pajamas are in? I'm not too sure how I feel about this, my gut reaction is that I would never wear pajamas outside of my house. But then, I think about it for a little while longer and think that maybe there is some potential for the pajama trend. I saw pajama inspired shirt by Steven Alan at Barneys (http://www.barneys.com/Cropped-Pajama-Top/00505012490110,default,pd.html?utm_source=GAN&utm_medium=Polyvore&utm_campaign=Primary) and while I am not contemplating buying it (or something similar to it) it makes me think of how someone would go about styling a shirt like this. It reminds me of '60s diners and bowling teams. While there are some girls who can totally rock this trend, I don't think I'm one of them. Not only would I not be able to pull it off, I just don't like the trend. I know that styles from decades past are making a revival but this style just seems too outdated. The pajama trend is also a little frumpy to be honest. 

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

#ColoredDenim


This trend has been stuck around for a few seasons now but I love it. Standard dark wash denim is very versatile and you can pretty much wear it with everything. Colored denim is a little trickier however, it is still just as versatile as denim if you know what to wear it with. My favorite color for bright denim is a bright blue such as J.Crew's toothpick jeans.  http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/denim/toothpick/PRDOVR~62443/62443.jsp

This color is definitely wearable in winter and summer. In the colder months you can tone it down with a dark sweater and dark shoes. A black or brown cozy sweater would look amazing with black or brown leather boots. You could also wear dark ballet flats or ankle booties. I recommend wearing a leather jacket or peacoat with a chunky scarf to finish the look. 

When the weather gets warmer however, you can rock a feminine white blouse or a natural colored one. Roll up the bottoms then throw on a pair of ballet flats or sandals and your outfit is perfect for spring. To spice up the look add some silver or gold jewelry (whatever works with your outfit) and your set. 

If you're a little more daring you can wear a printed top that works with the color of your jeans.   




Friday, January 6, 2012

Fashions Fade, Style is Eternal.

There is nothing more chic than your personal style. Trends come and go and will change in the blink of an eye. In fashion, one day you're in and the next day you're out. However, your personal style can never taken away from you. It is changed on your own terms, no one else decides what your style is. Personal style will last you a lifetime. Having a strong sense of personal style is one of the most important things in my book. It makes you who you are and shows the rest of the world how you live your life. Your style can tell people everything about your personality, who you are, and who you're becoming.

Style is Eternal.

Style is Eternal.

The Row cashmere shirt
$1,575 - net-a-porter.com

Alice In The Eve velvet jacket
$70 - generalpants.com.au

Marc by Marc Jacobs slim jeans
£93 - vanmildert.com

Chloé cuffed boots
$995 - net-a-porter.com

Marquis Camus necklace
$465 - marquiscamus.com

Michael Kors butterfly jewelry
£199 - julesb.co.uk

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Love Conquers All

Love Conquers All

James Perse racer back top
$31 - net-a-porter.com

Tory Burch flat heels
€159 - mytheresa.com

Gucci canvas handbag
€1.290 - veryeickhoff.com

South sea pearl jewelry
$84,160 - barneys.com

Michael kors jewelry
£199 - julesb.co.uk

Wardrobe Staples

There are a few things that I believe every girl should have in their closet. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars on these however, it truly helps to have them in your wardrobe. There are also many other things that should be included in your closet and these are just a few.
1. Navy Sweater- it can be any cut or style as long as its navy. Navy goes with pretty much everything and if you invest in a great one, either cashmere or cotton, then it should last you forever. I suggest J.Crew's Tippi sweater: http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sweaters/crewnecksandvnecks/PRDOVR~46725/46725.jsp
2. Dark wash jeans that fit right- Dark wash jeans are crucial, you can dress them up or dress them down. Before you invest in an expensive pair make sure you love them and that they are comfortable. As for style, I recommend skinny fit or straight leg. Don't go with anything too trendy like 'boyfriend-fit' or 'super-flared'. Above all, go with what you love and what looks best on you. My favorite pair of jeans are a pair of super skinny jeans from Joe's Jeans. There is a little bit of stretch but they aren't too much like leggings.
3. Leather Boots- depending on your personal style you can decide whether to get black or brown, and if you can afford it, get both or get one now and the other later. I definitely recommend getting real leather because they look better and last longer. Go for a more classic style, something that isn't too trendy. A good pair of leather boots will last you forever and they don't have to be from a major brand. If you're seeking out an authentic pair of riding boots than go to an equestrian shop for a real pair of riding boots. My favorite pair of boots is from J.Crew (surprise, surprise) but I love them; they look and fit wonderfully.
4. White Jeans- White jeans, like dark wash jeans, are crucial. Despite popular belief, with the right styling you can wear white jeans in the winter and the summer. My favorite way to wear white jeans in the winter is with my tall brown leather boots and a navy, or other dark colored sweater with a leather jacket or peacoat. In the summer, I pair my white jeans with espadrilles and a very feminine summery top or a looser linen blouse. Just like dark wash jeans, white jeans can be dressed up or dressed down. When investing in a pair of white jeans go with what looks best on you, what you feel comfortable in. Personally I like skinny fit but if you want to wear straight legs then all the power to you.
5. Leather Jacket- Leather jackets are a little trickier, at least from my experiences, it takes a little searching to find the perfect leather jacket, and it doesn't have to be from a major department store. Once you find your perfect leather jacket I would buy it as soon as you can because it will last you a lifetime. Wear it as much as possible so you get that broken-in and more casual look (if thats the style you're going for) I prefer brown to black, however go with what suits your style better. Avoid things that are too trendy, classic is better. Buy the jacket that looks the best on you not the one that you saw in Vogue the other day.

Without going into too much more detail a few other things I would invest in are a white tank (in my opinion, Abercrombie and Fitch have the best tanks), a navy blazer (J.Crew as some really great ones, and don't go with anything too trendy and make sure to get one that fits right!), and a men's watch (Michael Kors has some great ones however if you want an authentic men's watch, buy one from the men's side of the department store or where ever you are buying the watch.) The most obvious staple of all is The Little Black Dress like every other staple I mentioned, go with what looks great and will last forever. Don't pick one that is too trendy. As for shoes, black patent leather pumps and nude patent leather pumps are great things to invest in and if you buy the right pair they should last you forever.

Reality Check.

Without naming any names, certain girls I know need a serious reality check. You say you want to be a fashion designer but when Tory Burch is brought up you think its a toy store. You have no understanding of the "rules" of fashion (even though they're really just guidelines). You can wear black with brown however its a very fine line and now you're just clashing. If you really want to be a fashion designer you have to know who I'm talking about when I refer to Marc Jacobs or Karl Lagerfeld. It would also help if you knew who Amy Astley and Anna Wintour are. However, if you think you can become a fashion designer without knowing anything about the fashion industry, be my guest.

just a spring fling