Chic

flickr.com

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.

Pinterest.com

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

Pinterest.com

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.

Stylecaster.com

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

Pinterest.com

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.