Chic

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As I wait for the sugar crash from the cupcakes I just devoured it reminds me to be excited for all the sweet treats left over.  I can already feel my hips expanding while my belly rounds like a bowl full of jelly.  All those sweet treats have to go somewhere and before I can banish them into whatever land the treadmill sends them too I have to be creative.

Jay Z said it best in the song We Run This Town, "all black everything" is a great way to go for an instant chic and trim look.  I am a big lover of this color however some people find it boring, while I understand it's simply on how you wear it. 

A common mistake I see is people really just don't have enough fun.  Play around with proportions, something billowy on top with a fitted mini skirt and black fishnet tights.  Perhaps having everything loose fitted makes a statement.

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Olivia Palermo on the right does a great job of working with proportions to keep the eye and hold the attention.

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Remember to add texture to the look.  A piece in my closet that I adore is my black textured skirt.  It's a very business skirt but the unexpected twist in the texture makes me love the piece.  Little beading works coupled some lace and sheer overlay is a spectacular site.


Jewelry has to be cool right?  In my eyes the brighter the better.  Though understated pieces work for a real cool and laid back day look.  Some people like to leave the color in the accessories and that is cool and chic adding more black is definitely more risky.  The picture on the left shows black earrings but look at the amount of skin she's showing.  Seeing the dress strapless as well as a mock drop off shoulder allows for a dramatic earring.  A covered up black look adds mystery like the Adams Family but to layer on necklaces and earrings could turn into something that is too much and simply unflattering.

Next time you browse through the clothes at your favorite store don't yawn at the black rather pick it up and have some fun with it.

Boyfriend

It's about time SoCal had some brisk air! I've really missed the air having a certain snap to it.  This is the weather I love for jogging because there's no sweat, hanging outside without freezing and lighting up a bonfire.  But to the Cali babies I know it's time to move into Starbucks or stay at home with homemade tea or coffee.  Whatever the hearts desire, the common theme is to be comfortable during the fall and for me that means taking a dip into the boyfriend category.

Boyfriend jeans, boyfriend sweaters, boyfriends...  Whatever the case make sure to structure the outfit carefully for full comfort.  I love my boyfriend jeans but I will say after I found them at the thrift store I wasn't always proud of wearing them.  In high school it was paired with sneakers and a sweater, I looked like a boy in my mind.  Today I throw them on to run errands and I pair it with a comfortable t-shirt and some old sneakers.

When it comes to boyfriend wear there are a few tips to remember:
1. Yes they are relaxed:
 But that does not translate into baggy or even worse sloppy.  After you fit the entire thanksgiving dinner inside your stomach you can also fit into your boyfriend jeans and still have enough room for flag football.  Slide a couple fingers between the waist-band and you should be able to pull the denim away from your waist, if not, probably time to rethink jean size.

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2. Proportions still matter!  Never box yourself into the idea of bigger, there's comfort and then there's Macy's day parade float size.  For me as a college student, if I were to put on my boyfriend jeans I would also pair it with my crisp white button down

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shirt and a bold statement necklace.  They may be called boyfriend jeans but you're still the girlfriend.

3.  Previously I stated I wanted to accessorize with a statement piece necklace but that's not all the weapons in your arsenal.  Cute pair of pumps are a great way to class up the outfit but make sure you can walk in them, otherwise I really recommend wedges.  They also play into the relaxed vibe, sneakers add a certain classy cool girl vibe

4.  I honestly love the idea of playing around with masculine jewelry, and wearing boyfriend jeans is a great way to do that.  Instead of the dainty watches and bangles go for something tougher and more durable.  Leather wristbands and masculine watches layered on the arm add a don't mess vibe.  While up top subtle earrings like pearls throw in a soft idea, mixing the feminine with the masculine is a sure way to keep the minds guessing.

Over all have fun with this look, this is one of those pieces that's so wrong it's right.

Short End

Oh how I miss my days in the Midwest walking the path to my home taking in all the fall beauty while the leaves crunch under my feet.  I pity the residents of Southern California who have never experienced the transition from summer to fall, and fall to winter.  In fact I pity myself for all the cute fall looks I planned but haven't been able to wear at all, well I could but I would look really stupid in an over-sized sweater dress in 80 degree weather.

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Something I've had to stretch out is the use of my shorts, they were casual during the summertime but the fall fashion is meant for a more polished loo
k in my book.  Therefore shorts go from casual to classy in a quick and easy step and all you have to add is: stockings and tights!

The best part about this look is the instant polish it adds to my boring sweaters or silk blouse, doesn't hurt that my legs look amazing in them either.  The worst thing about this look is over-thinking the look and worrying about the right shoe.

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Personally open toed shoes with stocking makes for a horrendous appearance of the duck feet, the webbed monster is not a friend to fashion or style.  Stick to the closed toed variety with shoes such as boots or stilletos when it comes to stocking, proceed with caution if wearing flats as it can go very stumpy and unkempt.  On the other hand having tights with open toed shoes make for a edgy street look.

The main attraction to the look will be the tights underneath so why not give 'em a little show.  Leighton Meester on the right has the right idea with the patterned tights with bright pink shorts.  There are so many kinds of patterns and materials shorts no longer need to stay buried until next summer.

Have at least one pair of dress shorts for late night dinners with friends or for a presentable look be it in class or if your work allows the look.  Depending on the look you're going for play up your accessories, solid black and classic you could keep the jewelry clean and classic.  Or you could layer on bangles and  add a sleek hoop for an unexpected surprise.

Remember this is a head to toe look so take your time and don't be afraid to mix different looks together.  Always, always with this look is to walk like there is a string pulling you up and ambition pushing you forward.

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Calling All Heroes

Wanted: Hero
Special x-ray for the ability to see past a front, super strength for days when mine are not enough, sturdy shoulders for sharing burdens and the occasional cry, super speed, able to come by your side when trouble calls.  All casual "friends" need not apply.

I know I'm not alone when it comes to needing a hero therefore I bear no judgement but rather shockingly, a fashion advice.  We as people are not designed to handle every problem that comes our way in fact we are to help each other seeing how we are designed to naturally love.  All that aside why is it the lot of us are constantly apprehensive to accept help or even ask for it?  On Friday I was in desperate need of a hero and I was blessed with two friends who sat and encouraged me as I cried in the middle of the cafe at my school.  Friday Funday!  Oh how easy a wanted ad would be to print out but, we are not all blessed with great friends, it took me 20 years to find mine, therefore most of us have learned to save ourselves.  Honestly I applaud you for that but remember there are heroes out there for you, just be patient and always know who you're talking to.  

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While you're saving yourself arm yourself with a cape this great season!  If you're head is spinning don't worry mine isn't.  Think about it, fall is moving at a snails pace in SoCal, but I used to live in Illinois and I know they have already welcomed in the fall.  Tricky thing about fall is the quick change of mind that happens all day forcing us to prepare for change when we don't see it coming.  A great piece of outerwear is a cape, no don't borrow Superman's but rather from Stella McCartney and DKNY.

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Living out in the Midwest you learn a thing or two about outerwear, first you need to be warm, second you need to be cute because it really is the thing people see you most in.  Since moving out to SOCal a cape is the perfect outerwear so I don't die of heat but can still bring a little Chicago charm for all my warm-blooded friends.

Never wear a cape as just a cape, make it part of your outfit or just the outfit, so pick a great color.  My recommendations for a great color: Cayenne from the new 2014 spring color from Pantone, a deep mustard yellow, a crisp white and something with a great design like the Alexander Wang. Remember what I said about it being what people see you in most?  Primp up the hair even more because we all know how those fall winds can be rowdy.  Amp up the lip color even more than you would and not just for special occasions.  The excuse I like to tell myself is colder weather equals chapped lips, works right?  A great visual that works is the one of Lily Collins to the right.

Proportions are girl's best friend, a long cape is great for keeping yourself warm but short can be sassy especially holding a bag like Lilly Collins.  Keep your clothes uncomplicated on the inside, as much we love to layer pick the days carefully.  If you need to wear bulky clothes like knitted sweaters perhaps a cape isn't going to work that day seeing as how it can add unnecessary padding.  And finally don't make the mistake of thinking your blazer can do just as good of a job because it won't and you'll just be cold.


Tell me friends what are your secrets for keeping warm, or what would you're hero ad say?

Time to go

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I have been spending the best days of my life sitting in bed with the company of Gossip Girl re-runs.  At the same time I'm wondering why I thought some of those outfits were cute, definitely solidifies the idea that not every high fashion combination is a winner.  Remember when skirts over jeans was the cool thing to do?  How about jean skirts and Uggs?  How about Uggs in general?  I remember trying all of these including the peasant skirt with Uggs and a jean jacket, yep I rocked all those looks but never again, those sleeping dogs are dead.

Lot of skirt mistakes in our past and it hasn't gotten any better, I cringe at some of the mistakes I see today but know it's going to be so funny to tell my kids about.  Today fashion no no's are a bit more subtle not by the style but rather some people just don't know when to retire a trend.  With school just around the corner perhaps it's time to clean the closet and let room in for a new trend, and one trend that needs retiring is the high-low skirt or as some have labeled it, the mullet skirt.


Some people could argue against this but come on say it with me: "high low, got to go!"  While you're at it toss the skirt with the sheer layover in the bye-bye pile too.  It's not that these aren't cute but rather it's now time to go but by the look of things it appears some people have a bit of an attachment issue.  At it's peak these skirts were a cute idea and an interesting take on long skirts, it was a very casual take on a Grecian look but as bright as it shined it also dulled just as fast.  The problem with certain trends is that the value of them diminishes when everyone wears them even though not everyone looks good in them.  For starters the high-low doesn't compliment girls on the shorter spectrum, and depending on just how high the middle part is can be unflattering for those of us with curvier thighs.

A great alternative with the high-low is a long skirt with a nice slit, just a couple inches above the knees is a great start, and just about mid-thigh is a great place to stop!  Just about everyone can pull this look off easier and you know it will always be in style.  I do have some tips for how to achieve this.

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If this style worries you go for a solid color that way it pairs with different tops easily thus saving you more time.  When picking a top think of the skirt, the tighter the skirt the more flow the shirt should have.  The tight look can be cool but sooner or later in the day you'll probably need to breathe.

Double slit!  I personally have this kind of skirt and I'm in love with it, it's so easy to throw on and instantly I look put together and interesting.  Throw on some sandals and a cute, fitted tank top for a casual goddess look.  Be careful: slits can be attractive and sexy but keep in mind wind blows and as you walk you pick up momentum and... you know where I'm going with this.

If you don't have a slit skirt before you buy one do look in your closet first and find an old skirt that needs updating.  A simple tutorial can be found online or by someone who knows how to sew it's not hard so don't fear.  Try it on a skirt you may not wear often or are already throwing out, just to leave yourself lots of room for mistakes.

Then there's me, I have this really cute beach wrap I never wear as much as I would like so I turned it into a skirt and because it wraps it has a great slit to it.  I've received lots of compliments and it's honestly one of my favorite little tricks because I love telling people it's just a beach wrap.  I will say that I actually wear this look with tights because the slit can run all the way up and I'm not trying to give everyone a free show.  Quick tip: the higher the slit the lower the heels, a cute four inch heel is plenty.

Let me know what other trends you're retiring in time for the school yer.

Back talk

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Lately I've found myself reminiscing about the past and before you think sentimental I've been thinking about certain people I can't really stand the sight of.  I've realized that some friendships just change or people who you think would /should be open to a friendship are just too self involved to realize what a good friend is.  Best to just turn your back on petty stupidity and walk ahead, and let me tell you the back is just as beautiful as the front.  Don't be so focused on your front that you neglect your back, after all we have to give the haters some parting gift don't we?

Let's give them something to talk about and next time you buy a top turn it around to look at the back.  Don't keep going for the crotchet and lace back that is see through but really go a bit classier and edgier with your clothes.  First understand how to go backless: if your bra strap has to show keep it moving.  Bra's come in different sizes and shapes and there are those you can just attach to your breast and you can call it a day.  Having that strap across your back or just your bra being visible is just tacky and not okay, we as women are the classy ones in the human race.  It's a tough job but somebody's gotta do it and it might as well be the ones' in heels.

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My personal wishlist: get a black long sleeved shirt with a scoop back, just to pair that with a red pleated skirt and a pair of flats...  Before you just buy any kind of backless number decide what the endgame is, are you hoping to be edgy, classy, fun and flirty?  Remember that a backless number is also another impression of who you are.  Think about this, your teacher sees you walk away, your boss sees you walk away, your parents see you walk away, your priest, your buddy, the cashier...  The list goes on but definitely keep that in mind when shopping.

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If you're not afraid of some tan lines then definetly go for a piece with an interesting cut-out design or criss-cross pattern up top.  Keep in mind to pull the hair up and away from your back perhaps in a sleek side-pony, chic bun or chignon.

Remember to be backless with a purpose don't just cut some holes on the back of a shirt and think you're done no!  Play around with the back a little perhaps a cute long necklace with a pendant could make a cool and alluring effect.  Or perhaps you're looking for a great way to show off all those back muscles you've recently acquired after busting your buns in the gym, a scoop back is a great way to show of your new toned friends.  Wanna go for something fancier?  Try a deep V-cut in the back for a clean and sophisticated look.  Be careful not to go too low for fear of showing a little more than you want, imagine sitting down and well we all get to see the tip of the moon.  For crying out loud be careful about the backless shirt, a misconception we have today is the more skin the better.  In fact we as women are naturally attractive and it's important that we leave people with imagination.

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Fashion Hero

When it comes to fashion are you a follower or do you make the path worth following?  Following a trend can be interesting having to piece together different trends to create a signature look while making the path is almost like an adrenaline rush because you never know what the reaction will be.  Whenever I get dressed I like to try something new, something will turn have to turn someone's head so fast they get whiplash.  

The trick is to keep your idyll chatter to the lips of the fashionably ignorant and choosing the opinions that matter most.  But even with all that it takes a lot of courage just to be able to turn the door knob without scurrying off to change let alone walk out the door with your head held high.  Even with all that I summon the power of my fashion superhero Fran Fine a.k.a. the best nanny ever!

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I can only imagine the confidence it takes for this woman to wear whatever it is she feels suits her.  From the furry jacket to the kooky patterned suits, my favorite is the one with a brick pattern to it.  Really her style emulated her personality: odd, jaw-dropping, slightly nauseating, but in the just makes you laugh cause you can't help but love it.  

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Some people may not understand this but in the time of the show airing her skirts where too short.  Granted today girls just love showing off their bits and pieces but in that time she was really sexual and made a lot of innuendos that while we may not bat our eye lashes at it, back then it wasn't really tossed around much.

Confession: there are times when I have something that is so out there I refuse to wear something because of public opinion.  Gasp!  I know, I know, but then I channel in my inner Fran Fine and walk with a little bit more swing in my hips.  I will say she has inspired a few pieces in my closet such as, a jacket with blue chalk writing all over it, a plaid Jacket and a few funky dresses and a huge love of pantyhose.

What can we learn from Fran?  Crazy works, sometimes.  Not all her outfits are winners but you have to admit she had a way of staying true to herself no matter what the circumstance.  Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to keep a couple leopard pieces in the closet, a little skirt and perhaps a nice scarf?  Most of the time if I don't know how to wear a new daring piece all I have to think is WWFD?  Frannie would wear it with a big smile and sashay her hips around town.

Now who could forget this face?

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Hooped

Oh how I love long locks cascading past your shoulders and swishing to the side as you laugh.  Just being able to run my fingers from the roots to the tips.  Sike!  Nope I am blessed with an afro, short, sassy and believe me, when I walk in all eyes are on me.  

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With all those faces looking my way it is detrimental to understand just how to add drama to the hair.  Earrings are a must and the go to pair for me are the hoops, and as Nelly Furtado says "the bigger the better."  One of the best ways to add drama to a look is to go with hoop earrings and since my hair is very short one of the key pieces in my jewelry collection are my hoop earrings.  Some days are simple studs but some days call for something dramatic.

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Let me break it down for you when it comes to hoops, even though I'm rambling about how great they look with my short hair they work well for long or short.  They are an equal opportunity piece of jewelry but they have their own rules.  

#1: Hoops love being shown off therefore sweep the hair up and away from your shoulders.  Everytime I wear hoops I often refer to the picture of Hilary Duff on the right because she is the perfect example of what I'm talking about.  Hair up in a funky style with some dramatic hoops is sure to draw the right attention your way.  Maybe not red carpet attention but at least you look like you deserve red-carpet attention.

#2: If you want people to know your name either tell them or wear a name tag it doesn't have to be in the middle of your hoops.  No one has ever made that look cool and I highly doubt that it will ever be cool. 

#3: Go for the gold, a classic piece will always be a gold pair of hoops.  Just keep a simple medium sized pair for whenever you're running behind and you still want to look cool.  Everytime my ride threatens to leave I throw a gold pair of hoops in my purse to put on later.  Here comes my swan song: look at a thrift store first, often I've found new pairs for nothing simply because someone didn't like them.  If anything learn a great way to desensitize jewelry if germs are the problem.

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#4: Drama doesn't just belong on the stage there is space on your ears.  So may talented designers in the world have done us all a favor and designed really cool pieces.  Don't we owe it to them to at least get a few pairs?  Figure out the style you want to on a daily basis and work around that.  My type are the ones on the left, I find that having something simple and sleek draws the most attention.  The hoops are gold with a cool texture and a turquoise stone at the middle and they are just screaming my name.

Flipped

Ever been to a locker room or a nasty hotel and you knew you were not going to have any personal contact with anything?  How do you shower or walk across the floor?  That's right wear your flip flops on the nasty floor but only on the nasty floor, when it comes time to hit the town leave them at home and slip on something cute.

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Those cute little flip flops you bought and wore to the beach let me tell you a little secret about them, they suck!  Over 18,000 bacteria live on just one pair, if I'm correct it should be approximately 18,100 germs just ready to enter into any cuts or scrapes... ewwww.  I will confess I wore flip flops often when I needed a break from my heels but lately I only wear them around the home and now that I've found out about all those germs looking to destroy my life, the flops will remain firmly planted at home.

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If I can't wear flip flops what can I wear?  Lets start with sandals, they've staged a huge comeback in the past four years and for the most part it's been pretty interesting.  Not all sandals are winners and not all sandals are meant to be worn on a day to day basis so be careful when spending your money.

Do not be a plain Jane when getting sandals really take the time to pick a cute pair.  Why would you ever allow yourself to be plain just to be comfortable, if you want to spend your money make sure the loss is worth it.  For starters I recommend trolling around the local thrift stores first, some people do give away brand new shoes for reasons I don't know or really care about.  If a shoe is perfectly fine but needs a good polish it won't hurt to polish it and save money, I speak from experience.  Make sure to keep your sandals clean on a regular basis, this is your item and your responsibility to make sure your things are kept top notch and respectable.  Remember one of the first things people notice is your shoes so leave a long and fabulous impression.

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Sandals can only go so many days without being worn down so remember to have another back up plan in your arsenal.  Flats are a tall girls best friend and a short girls frenemy.  But I will always be loyal to flats simply because they go with absolutely everything that I ever want to wear.  From running around campus to girls night, or dinner meeting with a future employer they always have my back.  Don't be lame and get a boring pair of flats pick up a cute color like the powder blue pair in the photo above.  There is nothing wrong with the classic black but if I had the money I would honestly pick up a color I don't see everyday just to keep things interesting.

Duchess Katherine, I must say I am a big fan of her wardrobe especially before she became the duchess.  Something I absolutely love is the pair of wedges she's normally seen in.  They seem to go with everything in her closet so seamlessly and they look comfortable.  I absolutely love when fancy items take me everywhere and watching people's expressions because they think I'm over doing it.  If they only knew just how easy it is to look cool without having to wince every time you walk.  My favorite is paring it with a grey cigarette pant with sleek grey tank top and a navy blazer with gold buttons.  One day I'll have my dream closet but I'm getting there.

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 Sneakers come in so many different forms and a lot of those forms are ghastly.  The Tory Burch sneakers on the left are a great example of the kind of sneakers to gravitate towards because they give a sense of polish and at the same time seem relaxed.  I am always a big fan of blue jeans and a white tee, but with shoes in that style I really like to pair it up with black straight leg jeans and loose white t-shirt.  Sneakers are great for stomping around town or just heading out to the movies, a fashionable pair pulls a casual look into a posh look.  I'm the kind of person who freaks out over airport attire because I like to be prepared for anything from having to run around to an unseasonably cold plane.  Having a cool pair of sneakers gives the illusion that I'm not secretly freaking out.

Let me know how you shop for shoes or a great day to day look that's easy to pull together.

I'm With the Band

Throwback: that was right before my high school prom and my favorite part about my outfit was my headband.  I was very nervous to wear it because it is a statement piece and can draw the wrong attention but it ended up making my outfit and I received a lot of compliments.  Perhaps it was because my prom happened right after the royal wedding and everyone was obsessed with statement hats and my headband was a suburban statement.

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I am a big advocate for headbands especially on days when my hair decides it doesn't care about my reputation, my headband's got my back or rather my head.  I love headbands so much I once splurged over $40 bucks on hair bands, clips and pins!  The headband on the right is only $4.00 at Ulta, when I worked at Ulta I helped a girl pick out that exact one for her prom.  Bet she turned a few heads as well.  For a great and more affordable store I highly recommend Ulta, when I would walk by the hair accessories rack it took a lot to not spend my entire paycheck.

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I love seeing so many girls take risks using headbands, headpieces, scarves and pins.  One thing I would advise against is getting something too big that it sticks out against the outfit you're wearing.  Remember to compliment your look not make people scratch their heads wondering what happened.  Starting with the everyday look of jeans and a basic tee, a statement piece can still work with a pulled back hairstyle.  You can still keep the look casual but appear romantic with just a stunning touch.

Based on your personality it can be a fun home project for you alone or with few friends to spend time on.  Adding some chunky crystals and beads to a headband makes the look interesting and completely unique to you.

Avoid the flower halo trend the best that you can, it's too big and only really works well during music festivals.  While some flower halos are cute (the tiny side halos), I understand the want for the look.  For me it reminds me of the wedding wreaths in pictures I would see as a little girl but now I don't want to wait for a special occasion to put on a cute headpiece.

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Add a piece just for fun, just add a simple touch like the one on the left.  Instead of the messy look opt for a more sleek look with your hair just brushed straight back.  No matter how you look heading out for whatever event it looks cute and simple which adds a certain allure to a woman.

So many styles, feel free to let me know you're headband experiences.

Dive

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Ssalamu Lekum(hello Moroccan Arabic style), just sitting on my yacht writing this latest post overlooking the Mediterranean Sea... in my dreams.  Seriously I would give anything to be sitting off some gorgeous coast starring into water so blue it reminds me of ink, ahhh.  But alas I have no yacht, not even a toy boat nor have I seen any large body of water remotely in any shade or tint of blue in months.  The closest I'll be getting  to Monaco or blue at this rate is Monaco Blue one of colors of the year.

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Is it possible to be excited about a color?  Because I am close to jumping out of my skin I'm so excited, I've loved this shade of blues since I was a wee little thing.  What I absolutely love is that blue is a very relaxing and cool color, and this shade of blue is in the darker spectrum also representing knowledge, power and integrity.  When wearing this color do it with freedom don't over-think things and just dive in and go with the flow.  Usually I'm always saying how to incorporate colors in small doses through accessories or embellishments but not this time, this time I say dive right in.  Remember to wear the blue on your clothes but skip matching the accessories to the clothes it's just becomes tacky.  Rather chunky accessories play very well with this color surprisingly especially those that are clear.  Layer on different pieces from beaded to pearls one over the other, this color would be a perfect stepping stone into breaking out that new jewelry you might be skeptical about or saving for a very special occasion.  A surprise twist is adding a touch of red either with one necklace, bangle, or ring on your finger... always keep them guessing.  Specifically I speak on my taste when I say pull the hair back, expose your shoulders and pop on some hoop earrings.  Why not add some healthy drama to your look?

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Looking through my closet I have a lot more Monaco Blue than I thought, let me count the ways: a boxy blazer with matching knee length, pleated and baggy shorts, and most recently have two throw pillows sitting pretty on my bed.  Did I mention I was excited about this color?  Anyways I promise to post pictures of me incorporating this into my closet.  I've found that blue looks really great with my skin tone and the dark blue compliments me.  Not only on darker skin but also compliments pale skin.

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Pick up a maxi dress or bohemian skirt, maybe even a pair of bold shorts and when in doubt match it with a white tank top.  This is a relaxing color so let yourself relax knowing you look amazing and just let your steps become lighter.  To me this is a very fearless color when I wear it and I notice my back gets a little straighter and my walk a little stronger whenever I wear this shade.  My dream would be to have an ankle length t-shirt dress that fits me perfectly.  Pair that with a pair of black wedges and I could just see myself taking on the world.  My dream Monaco Blue shoe?  Blue suede pumps.

This color works so well on it's own it doesn't need a loud buddy to make it look good because it is a very independent color.  Just putting on a t-shirt in this color with white shorts will pull out a high fashion vibe when matched with a cute pair of flats.

With all that said and done, lla yemsek 'la khir which means good night in Moroccan Arabic.

Think Like a Man

Recently I've been learning a lot about comparisons, how we're responsible for the gifts we're given and what we do with them.  Good message, but when it comes to fashion I've taken a stance to compare my style and lifestyle to that of a man's.  Men are cool, they never seem to care about anything and for some reason it works.  I wake up and it may take three tries to look "effortless" but I see my brother finishes in ten seconds and still looks dapper.  I can't help but feel like there's a lesson to be learned from the opposite sex; yeah I know.

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Every season there is a new trend for a women to wear, new hairstyles to try, and stilettos to strut in.  While we're busy driving ourselves crazy keeping up, guys are still strutting in their suits, jeans and Oxfords.  What am I doing wrong?

I'll tell you, men walk with confidence and assurance because they know what they have on is working for them in fact they don't just walk, they stride.  One of the most important rules of fashion is to keep it simple, keep it clean, and make sure it fits.  Men have adopted this style while women keep struggling while making things complicated and have to be constantly reminded, correct me if I'm wrong but aren't we the more evolved species?

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Eddie Redmayne (above) shows un-complication with a kickback style.

This summer I vow to think like a man: keep things uncomplicated and clean.  I vow to have more fun with my clothes or rather have more fun in my clothes and stop worrying about messing it up.  I vow to chill, perhaps I would get ready faster if I didn't feel the need to secretly be the best dressed in every room (you know you do it).  Men have a style they stick to allowing themselves to walk, I mean stride, with confidence because they know they look good.  Fun fact: Mark Twain had fourteen pairs of the same white suit because he knew it worked for him.

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Guys allow themselves to be playful in their clothes, they get dressed ready to take on the day even if it lasts till the next day, they're ready.  I get dressed to last the next couple hours which means if it lasts longer I get cramped toes and a tummy to match, basically if my day outlasts my outfit I'm ready to blow!  I admire the way a man walks in a suit, they way he strides in jeans and kicks-back in loafers while never sacrificing himself.


I personally know the three guys up at on the sides and yes they really do have as much fun as it looks.  When it comes time for them to work they pull it together and keep a piece of themselves.  While on the left Patrick opts for a very casual look for his day to day it fits his personality and you can't help but love him and laugh with him.  On the right in the back Ben keeps it casual and clean a very laid back person, one of the most approachable people as you can probably tell.  And in the front of him is Rudy, his expression, stand and style says it all.  Clearly he runs things and we're all privileged to know him, but in all reality his personality is as polished and clean like his style.  Rudy and his crew are some of the funniest people I know, he actually has a pair of green cord slacks that match his personality.  I vow to take getting ready more like those guys

Now I know that comparing myself to other women is wrong but comparing myself to guys is winning.  Finally a male thought a understand.  But when all is said and done, thanks guys!

Negative X Negative

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Back in the days of torture, I mean algebra, we are taught the rules of positives and negatives.  Two positives equal positives, negative+positive can equal a negative or positive depending on the bigger number and two negatives equal a positive.  In a nutshell a teacher stood in front of a classroom and declared the age old truth that opposites attract, I could have watched a Nicholas Sparks movie and saved myself the trouble.  This isn't algebra and I'm not a math teacher what I am is bored of math but in fact I do need it in the world of fashion, who would have thought.

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Black and pink are sworn enemies, polka dots and stripes never mingle, having on more than one print is too "busy," I could go on and on but that would require me remembering all the rules.  And with the new rules of today why should I?  The new thing is being bold and brave with your clothes and forging a new path.  Even if fashion can be subjective (I use that lightly)  it is very obvious when it is done wrong.


Rule #1: Make sure the clothes you are wearing actually fit.  If you look on the right over-sized dress, over-sized coat and a bag just hanging off the wrist are cool on the runway but never on the sidewalk.  Look on the left and that girl has a nice fitted pair of pants, and a jacket with enough room for movement yet still gives her a figure.  This isn't just a rule for mixing prints but for every piece of clothing the reason I stress this now is because with prints sometimes it adds weight and to just have useless fabric flapping in the wind makes it seem like a whole lot more flaps in the wind.

Rule #2: Patterns are fun, patterns are creative and they are also expressive, patterns are also very loud.  Imagine being in a room full of kids none of them should have their voices louder than a three but if two or more of them start screaming your ears bleed.  In fashion when two pieces start competing it makes the eyes bleed and confuses the brain as to where it should really be paying attention to.  With all that said if you're going to mix pieces make sure it's complimentary not aggressive with the other pieces.  Find like colors that are complimentary or secondary, if you have a bold print don't add another bold print that's just a battle waiting to happen and you will emerge the fashion loser.

Rule #3: When mixing don't find different prints in the same size, look for different ones in different sizes.  Maybe I'm a broken record but I really can't stress the fact that competition is bad with clothes there should be a harmony not a knockout in an outfit.

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 Something ladies should remember is to bring life into the clothes, so many times patterns are done in really dark materials with really easy prints.  That shouldn't be the case because if you're going to be bold then by all means be bold!

Fresh

It's been there for you after the morning coffee.  It saved your first kiss after there was too much garlic in your pizza and it's a natural pick me up when you have to sit through drowsy lectures.  Mint has always been a part of our lives doesn't it make sense for it to be include in our fashion?   Except now instead of mint it's called grayed jade a much softer shade of blue with punches of green.

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 What I love about this color is the element of freshness it brings to the day.  Especially in light fabrics would this color work, when the wind blows and the fabric dances around the body it does something to the soul, my soul at least.   Something amazing about new color trends is the way it affects either the people who don't have time for fashion or those who don't care about fashion simply because it's so easy to try it out without having to plunge yourself to deep into the trend pool.

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Start with a light cardigan the idea of throwing on something over a summer dress or a gray t-shirt and jeans means it stays in the closet even when the trend is gone.  Don't break the piggy bank just yet trying to find one of these, start sifting through thrift shops if this is a style worth trying.  When putting on the cardigan use complimenting colors to harmonize the outfit.  Grayed Jade is really a romantic color complimented by other pastels in light pinks, linen and jade.  Those touches can be complimented by using accessories one of my favorites is a head scarf to add elements of surprise.

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Clothing may not be your thing but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with this color.  When it comes to decorating the apartment, dorm, or anything requiring decor keep this color in the back of your mind.  That doesn't mean painting the walls in grayed jade but little accents in frames or chairs could freshen up a room.  Perhaps finding a nice bedding in this new color is all you need.  Or if you or someone you know is entering into the long lasting marriage game this might be a nice little color scheme to add or accent the big day with.

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