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Wow has it been a while!
Trust me when I say I haven't been gone because I don't care, it's simply because I've been getting some new material.  So much has happened in fashion these last few months from the Met Gala to fashion month! 

Over summer I had the opportunity to attend a couple events, one being the premier of the movie Private Number.  It's suspense not scary.  If you're interested in an intense movie but still would like the ability to sleep soundly this is your movie.

Picking an outfit doesn't always happen spontaneously but if you know your closet well enough you can pull together a couple great looks.  I opted for flow with a touch of fitted sophistication with simple floral maxi dress and a men's jacket, with a clutch from Mofe inc.  To go along with the flow I plaited my hair in four rows with a pair of strappy sandals.  My idea was to be able to not just move but glide and if the breeze was colder than I predicted the jacket was light enough to battle both a warm and cold situation.  In keeping with the light theme I love my clutch, everyone should seriously check out Mofe Inc.  Their entire point is the modern female, practicality and fashion.  Boy am I grateful for a clutch that fit all my essentials, stayed sleek, and matched my dress.

I've had this dress forever and it comes with a funny story. It's one of those dresses I was going to wear only one more time before giving it away.  Except the supposed last time I got so many compliments I kept it, ever since then that dress gets me a lot of compliments.  Moral of the story, take it out for one last spin before tossing it, you might be surprised at how creative you can get with something you may have overlooked. 

The jacket on the other hand is compliments of the baby brother.  He was giving away two jackets and asked if I wanted them, of course. Menswear just in time for fall?  Score!  I make no apologies for the amount of photos that will be of me in a men's jacket.  I've been dying for one for so long thank God for brothers who know you're all about fashion.  Side note: he even chose a white phone for me because he said it was more fashionable and I would appreciate it. This kid's pretty cool.

As fall rolls into our lives take a page from the 70's and just go with the flow with a summery dress.  Delve deeper into the era and add some boots to the look, if you have a beat up pair of boots it instantly adds more character to the look in my fashionable opinion.  Because it was summer I kept my sandals on to show off the midnight blue polish I had on my toes. 

Little details matter, don't ever let someone tell you differently.  I liked the free-spirited vibe I had going with the dress and shoes so I did the same with the hair and jewelry.  I don't know if you can tell but my hair is natural which doesn't translate into manageable.  And as much as I would love to be a girl with easy maintenance hair it ain't happening with this DNA.  I'm always looking for cool protective styles and this fit perfectly and hoops work perfectly when the hair is off the shoulders, remember Hooped?

Photo Credit: Natalie Sutherlin

Summer Cool

Am I the only one who struggles with sweater weather?  Sure the heavy stuff goes back in the winter trunk but what about when it gets cool?  Hanging at the beach, or swinging at the porch chair it's important to stay cozy and relaxed.  I am a big fan of sweaters all year because they come in so many different styles leaving me plenty of space to expand my closet.

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Chunky knit: Yes it is synonymous with the winter weather but stick with me.  Extremely chunky knits can be great for the summer due to the holes in material.  Throw it over a ribbed tank for a relaxed feel or with a summer dress for a beach bonfire.

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Cotton:I absolutely love cotton clothes much like the rest of the world.  I love how it glides on my body, hugs when it does and best of all you can be as creative as you wish.  I love when I see original artwork printed on an outfit.  I love the orange over-sized sweater due to the fact that it could also be worn as a dress.  Two looks in one, score!

 I have a Hollister sweater that I wore once up for sale on my eBay store check out the link right here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/151329995294?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

While you're still here check out some sweater looks:

Revolveclothing.com

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Instyle.com

Pinterest.com

Audrey

Highheelconfidential.com

Bigblondehair.com

Happy birthday Audrey Hepburn!  I absolutely adore women who are icons and not a flash in the pan.  In celebration of the class and glamour that is Ms. Hepburn I will be breaking down some of my favorite looks and how to achieve them yourself in this modern era.

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1. SBD ("Slinky" Black Dress):  Of course this look starts off the countdown.  Sleek, sophisticated, and of course timeless.  Black dresses stand the test of time with flying colors every day.  If a black dresses isn't your favorite add a twist to the color and opt for a cobalt blue, staying with the silhouette.  The blue dress is from Topshop and will one day be found in my (Top)closet.  Add some strappy heels, chandelier earrings and a loose hairstyle you'll take over any room.

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Vogue.co.uk

2.  If Audrey had married today she would cause quite a stir with her choice of "dress".  Much like Keira Knightley who was applauded for her unconventional dress.  Audrey wed in her own signature style.  A cute baby doll jacket and head scarf would make for a pretty daring choice today.  Keira was photographed wearing her wedding dress during a different function.  A baby doll jacket can also be worn on multiple occasions

3.  Audrey impresses me so much with her ability to know her fit.  Most of her style was made for her by Givenchy, but my budget is more along the lines of thrifty.  No matter how much or little money someone has, the right fit adds luxury to a look.  A simple shift dress plays up a figure no matter what size.  Unfortunately some people don't believe it and think it's a tent.  Allow the dress to holly-go-lightly graze the shape of your body rather than swim on its own.

Crop tops and the modest girl

Fablogie.com

It's no secret to those who know me to understand my style.  Eclectic and timeless, trends are fun but keeping up with them tends to break my bank account.  Honestly, if I were to follow every trend I would look like a disaster (case and point high-low skirts).  Believe it or not you don't have to follow all the trends, for instance I don't follow the crop top top trend.  At least not the same way a lot of fashion columns encourage.

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As a future fashion designer I really think it's cool
to see a cropped sweater with a pencil skirt, classy and fabulous.  But as a modest girl it doesn't send the message I work really hard to cultivate.  People tend to assume modesty is outdated and boring, I'm not saying buy out Laura Ingalls Express but perhaps lower the hemlines so I can't count the dimples on your butt.  I'm not modest because I'm scared of boys I do it because I would rather have the respect of a man than the drool of a boy.  I'm not modest because I'm ashamed of my body or rather boring.  A. I have a great figure, B. boring?  Don't make me laugh.


I do wear crop tops but I don't show much if any skin at all.  Like most people I choose a full skirt that hits the natural waist with a cropped shirt that has flow rather than a skin tight crop top.  Actually wearing thing at the natural waist elongates the body as well as slimming the figure, it's a win win really.  Allowing the top to graze the edge keeps tones allow for a covered look as well as a nice breeze through out the day.

I suggest a very snug tank under most crop tops, yes I can hear the excused already but hear me out.  I paired my red top with a rose bud patterned tank underneath for a little surprise underneath.  It doesn't have to be a solid color but this is a cool way to play with patterns and color block.

'Chella

Since I have a pulse I am well aware that Coachella is right around the corner.  Because I'm oblivious to the music festival scene I thought it was last week, yikes!  As I am a Coachella never-been I've done my research on what all the cool kids do and wear to said festival.  To be completely honest it strikes me as a very dirty, hot, and grimy weekend event.  It's cool with friends but it's not a real priority for me to spend so much money to experience that.  Maybe I'm wrong, tell me in the comments.

Alas, if I were to go what exactly would I wear and why?  Let make a checklist shall we:
1. The desert is HOT!
2. Some people may not think about this but if there was a sudden mob attack I need to run!
3. How do I hold all my necessities?
4. Can I multi-function (bathroom?) (Are there bathrooms?)
5. I do not want to dress like just another music festival cliche

WhoWhatWear.com

Channel minimalist style icons such as my personal favorite Kate Bosworth.  KB is no stranger to the music scene and she has such a signature style that you'll know her when you see her.  She is not just another fringe crop-top in the crowd.

kaboodle.com

Shorts and a tank? Steer clear of ratty tatty holed up rags because it's so cliche and lame.  Opt more for a cotton tank that allows breeze.  Tack on some glamour by getting an embellished detail or perhaps a tank with a cool mural painted on it.  For crying out loud skip the scalloped lace shorts.  I don't understand the attraction to wearing what essentially looks like an adult lace diaper.

Lockerz.com

Bend it like Bosworth and try out an artistic approach to dresses.  The maxi dress has had it's hoorah so bring the 20's back with a drop waist dress.  Skip the floral mess print and think more like a painter.  It's really easy to add paint splatter to a dress even if it's a really small patterned detail.

WhoWhatWear.com

I get it you like things simple and uncomplicated.  Shirt and a tank it is.  But I disagree with KB on my left.  The boots and shorts is over to me, I never see enough women in sneakers.  It makes perfect sense.


I'll keep posting as I learn more about the mystical land that is Coachella. In the meantime tell me about your Coachella look.

Monday

Brace yourselves:

If we're being honest the hardest part of Monday's is choosing my outfit for the day.  Besides the fact that I wasn't nearly as productive as I thought I would be all weekend meaning roll-over tasks Yea!  The way I see it everyone is half awake so they only half notice your outfit.  This is the day to try out a completely fussless look.

Step one: pick a basic, and another, and one cute little piece.  People may be half asleep but the other half is wide awake.  Those two halves equals a whole list of people who will remember your fashion disaster. Never mistake casual Monday for casual Friday, Monday's set the tone for the rest of the week. 

 

I'm throwing it back to a look I've sported about a year ago.  Basic tank top, basic shorts with a plaid blazer and white Moccasins.  Basics all around until you put them together and sprinkle my personality makes for magic. 

If this is too dressed for your taste substitute the shorts for a great pair of jeans.  Leave the holes for a Saturday.  Add a fitted, basic t-shirt under a navy cardigan, throw on some flats and charge that Monday head on. 

Cold weather friends opt for a cape as that can become a whole outfit all on its own.

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Honestly keep the look light by forgoing statement pieces and chunky jewelry.  The half asleep part of the body won't care and full awake part of the body won't care.  Hoops and a simple necklace work for me.  Perhaps a stud and one strand of beads work for you?  I love scarves, I will find a reason to wear one whenever so it only makes sense for me to wrap my hair in one.  Fedora's are played out today so I'll recommend a chic little beret if you have one.  If the hair is not up for a Monday a little beret is a cute little surprise, or a beret is just cute.

Finish with some comfy foot wear.  Flat's all the way!  Depending on whether or not you got that pedicure closed or open toed shoes is your best option.


Let me know your go-to Monday style and I'll be back tomorrow with Coachella inspired looks.

Seeley

With the glow of the afternoon sunlight, picturesque outdoor landscape and only songs of the birds to set the soundtrack, models grace the scene in beautifully crafted pieces that flow with the breeze as they glide past guests.

Bylisalinh.com

"Luxury femininity for the iconic woman."  Those words ring true through all the garments shown during the Bri Seeley's fashion show in Los Angeles. Deputing the Chrysalis Collecting Bri Seeley is making quite a strong name for herself in the fashion industry.  A name which holds the title of Featured Emerging Designer in 2013 by Women's Wear Daily.

Bylisalinh.com

"The inspiration for the Chrysalis Collection was really taking the foundation I've built for my business and transforming it into an even better version of itself.  The designs featured have all been seen in my previous collections, but this time I refined the looks and brought them more towards a luxury demographic."-Bri Seeley.

@clmgiudici-twitter

Personally I love this collection, I can see myself walking from class to work confidently and with strength.  A perfect example are the shorts in her collection which I absolutely adore.  The pleats are done in such a way which draws the eye and forces a lingering stare.  Each dress flows and drapes the body reminding the public that in fact you are a woman.  Being a woman in itself is a full time job, something Bri understands full well and her designs reflect that.  With inconspicuous pockets that don't add weight to the hips leaving you enough room to tuck away phones, wallets,
cupcakes, and if you're like Catherine Lowe at After the Final Rose, a water bottle.

I for one can't wait to find these pieces in my closet, but in the meantime you can find out more about Bri and her collections at: briseeley.com.  Instagram: @iambriseeley and twitter: @BriSeeley

Back to Basics

Tuesday's are the worst.  Think about it, Monday's may have the worst rep but in reality Tuesday is the problem.  Monday is straight-forward, letting you know it sucks before you even try to, on the other hand Tuesday let's you think it's your friend because you thought Monday was going to be the worst.  Tuesday is the shady friend you keep in your side-eye field of vision.

In dealing with  a fiend like Tuesday a good defense is a fashion offense.  Start by borrowing from the boys and stick to the basics.  I've had a love affair with this long button-up shirt since I was in high school.  The x-factor is the gold pinstripes to add a touch more class to an already classy piece.  As I've grown up the shirt hasn't been as long as it used to, know instead of a dress-shirt it reaches just low enough for leggings to be acceptable as a bottom piece.  Remember, LEGGINGS AREN'T PANTS!

It doesn't actually have to be a crisp white shirt, they come in different colors shockingly.  If your down for a cool jacket a tuxedo jacket compliments the look.  Make sure to pay attention to proportions, let the shirt graze your figure loosely so if you decide to to say no to a cinched waist there's still a fit look.  Too big of a shirt and it looks like you're playing dress-up, and while you can belt it up, there's always that look of too many tucks and pleats under the belt.  Not flattering.

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Usually I'll belt it up but I wanted something different so I pieced it together with a scarf.  I just stumbled upon a monaco blue scarf owned by my mother and if you remember from one of my early posts, this is my favorite color.  The pop of blue adds just enough wow factor to an outfit that is really basic.  The good thing about white is any color belt will really stand out and become a statement piece.  If you go for a colored shirt try a darker or lighter shade of said color, it creates a chic harmony. 
Adding my brand new woven loafers finishes with laid back class.

Anthropologie.com

 

Katrantzou

Ever had a day where you're so excited about your passion but the audience clearly has no interest?  

Vogue.co.uk

Vogue.co.uk

Yep, welcome to my day to day life.  I will say I was the disinterested audience member when it came to fashion last year.  It just seemed as though the same silhouettes and styling techniques were used over and over again in slightly different shades.  Until fashion week this year I was losing interest but I will say when London Fashion Week rolled around the big guns delivered plenty of ammunition.

One of my absolute favorite collections came from Mary Katrantzou.  Oh my goodness jaw on the floor, head spinning, eyes filled with wonder, I'm not even sure if I've come back from this high.  With a medieval feel filled with embroidery, detail and amazing use of material this is definitely a designer on my list to purchase from when I make it to the big time.  To the right is my favorite and below are some more of my best picks.  By pushing herself to think far from what she usually does, no embellishments, brocads, lace, clearly her signature crept back in.  With the uniform theme in mind from such as the butcher aprons and military generals her language is expressed showing symbolism. 

Right as I'm on the edge fashion pulls me back in, thank you Mary Katrantzou for your your brilliant work.
Let me know below, who's work has inspired you lately?  Or who's show did you enjoy the most?

Vogue.co.uk

Vogue.co.uk

Vogue.co.uk

Vogue.co.uk

 

Drag

Monday's are an absolute drag.  Tack on the fact that President's day is observed by all the other schools except yours... yeah.  Getting dressed for a day you're not gung ho about is a challenge and I'll admit that I almost let it get the best of me.  Alas, thank God for the skirt I accidentally turned into a dress.  The billowy effect is perfect for a Monday with plenty of space to move and thanks to the 86 degree weather, it kept me comfortable and not too hot.

I've been dying to wear the scarf since I found it in my mothers trunk a couple weeks ago.  The drama it adds to the look and the beads play into the African Gypsy feel of the look.  Thank God it was slightly windy , you can't plan that, but right before the camera snapped it went away (boo!). Kicked it off with my silver sandals and this took me throughout the day.  Had the weather been colder a jacket over my shoulders would have edged up the look.

For my cold weather friends put a sweater underneath the dress, slide into some boots, wrap a scarf around and finish with a cozy jacket.  Voila!  Instant success.

For those of you into a more sweet and lovely look go for the look my friend has in the bottom photo.  A full skirt, cowboy boots and a denim button up and this girl is ready to tackle nursing. 

Natural

It's been a while huh?  Let me tell you, college is serious business and if you value your time and sleep you lose friends.  But waves are natural with life and you can ride the curl or wash-ashore. 

Being in the (metaphorical) curl is one of the most exhilarating and terrifying things that can happen to anyone.  With all this running around playing circus juggler with life and priorities, ironically presenting oneself properly is often laid aside like last nights cardigan.  Keep things simple and cohesive so when you leave in the morning pounding the pavement, acing the day is the only thing on the to-do list.  For an easy put together look
slip on a long pencil skirt that hits the natural waist with a figure hugging blouse on top. 

I know it's cold outside the SoCal bubble but try these alternatives: funky hosiery, posh knee-socks, stiletto boots and knit skirts.  The last post talked about the importance of the pencil skirt and I did promise to post my look.

Well there it is, I loved this look.  Public opinion stated that it was classic and the twisted tank top with the sandals added a Grecian goddess feel.  Perfect for a casual Friday but polished enough that I can go all day from school to work with confidence.  The great thing about this look is that because of the simplicity you choose where to take it.  If you're better with accessories, unlike me, you can stack up the bangles, hoop up the earrings, band up your hair, it's really up to you.  Pump up the heels to meet up with God or keep it closer to earth with flats.

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Ankle length adds a certain class but because it hugs at just the right curves I'm still young and approachable.  I really wish more young ladies opted for a classic look instead of flash-in-the-pan tacky trends but it is what it is. 

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I'm curious to how you would wear an ankle skirt, let me know in the comments.

No.2

Farfetch.com

School checklist: paper, binders, pens and pencils.  Closet checklist: shirts, shoes, jacket and of course the pencil skirt.  Higher education is not needed to know that a pencil skirt is an essential which should find its way into every woman's closet.  Quite frankly it doesn't matter whether or not you like fashion or feel figure-conscious, a pencil skirt should be in your closet. 

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I'm sick of hearing college students ask what to wear to job interviews, or worse show up with the most ridiculous excuse for professional attire (your mini skirt and sky high heels aren't appropriate).  Girls should stop sliding into frumpy when it comes to business attire, professionalism doesn't lack personality because more often than not it'll get you into more doors.  The right pencil skirt can hug the curves, add a curve while also showing personality in all the right ways.  Recently I wore a white base with blue flowers all over it, pictures to come soon.  Throw on a sweater and flats for a day to day look.  Pencil skirts now fit different molds from texture to some cool features like the wrap and slits. 

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Make sure the skirt hugs the figure and doesn't suction cup itself to your epidermis.  There should be room to move around through out the day, because you don't spend all day in one position.  If you were to bend over how would that look?  Don't be that girl in the office.  Let these photos provide some inspiration for your next look.

Professionelle.me