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:

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Audrey

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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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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

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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.

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.

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"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.

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"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.

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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

New sweater

I honestly feel as though Southern California has a bigger love affair with sweaters than those in the mid-west who actually need them.  "Sweater Weather" has been quoted to death but I will raise my hand first in order to support wearing over-sized sweaters.  A fun twist would be over-sized sweatshirts, relaxed and casual while also adding a chic street look to your busy schedule.  

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Kick it up with your best pair of sneaks for a funky downtown look.  This is perfect for the ladies who take their comfort seriously.  I absolutely love the idea of throwing a leather jacket over a hoodie dress with a cool pair of black leather converse.  If you are in the business of adding a girly touch don't fret throw on the nicest pair of ballet flats for a more feminine walk.  Slick back the hair and some statement earrings and the day is yours for the taking.

Lesson Learned

"Making it" is easier said than done but you know what, why should it be easy?  Over the weekend I had the privilege to get some kind of experience styling photos for a friend but in a battle between my fantasy and reality, my fantasy was body-slammed as though it was a WWF championship.

GET YOUR VISION TOGETHER
 This is a no brainier but I'll still say it, know exactly what you are supposed to be shooting.  When you sit with a photographer, designer or whomever you're collaborating with make sure you both mean the same thing.  If a photographer says he wants the looks to be uncommon, I hear dramatic and unconventional proportions and colors.  Meanwhile the photographer could be scared by your ideas or just not like them.  Iron out those details because it could waste a lot of time.  Make sure you know
Arrange the clothes accordingly.  Piece each look from head to toe even though it's time consuming you don't want to walk into the shoot looking like an amateur.  Time is money and in photography it's also daylight.  It's a lot easier to see a polished vision than a sloppy idea.


PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS
Unless you are Grace Coddington or Emmanuelle Alt your word is not law.  Without a full on reputation and credibility you will have to be flexible.  Unless you are the boss paying people to work on your time and your rules, you will have to be flexible.  I went into the experience thinking it was my style ideas they were shooting and it wasn't.  So many opinions went into one outfit while some were welcome others maybe were not welcome because I usually like things my way.  Having to get opinions took me off guard and I won't lie, I took them personally and actually became aggravated as the day went on.  I felt as though my ideas weren't good enough.  That is not the case.  Simply put, I'm still learning and fashion is one big group project and even if you are the boss hearing the cold hard truth will happen just go with it.  Listen to the opinions, advice, suggestions... use them accordingly and respectfully.

HOPE YOU BROUGHT AN UMBRELLA
Get ready for the unexpected.  Plans change, people cancel, locations get moved things happen.  Deal with it and move on.  Remember everyone is dealing with the same problems you are and if you throw yourself a little pity party, only you will be in attendance not to mention nobody wants to work with that.  Find the glimmer of hope and change up your plans and roll with the punches.

These are two pictures I posted on my instagram on the looks I got to do, I'm still learning.  Tell me if you're experiences in an unexpected moment.


 

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?

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.

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.

Broke College Student

Recently I asked a girl what her style was, her reply?  "Broke college student," when did it become that our budget defined our style?  If we were to put down the remote and turn off Gossip Girl we would realize fashion runs further than money, perhaps once we realize that we won't need to hide behind our sweatpants and footsie pajamas.
 Simplicity is key especially during the college years, when you start with just a few essentials it's amazing the places you'll go.  simple doesn't  equal sweatpants and sweat shirts but rather a classic pair of jeans and a white t-shirt.  Warning: keep the ugly running shoes under the bed where they belong instead, put on a nice pair of flats or sandals, it gives off a relaxed vibe and on the plus side it takes a whole one minute to put on.   Therefore keep burning that midnight oil!  If you really want to spend a another ten seconds getting ready add a sleek blazer to the mix, you'll need one for all those job interviews so why not put some extra mileage into them?

Aubrey always wears different blazers, from professional to casual in jeans and a school tee.

Invest in a dress!  Some girls suck in their teeth at the mere mention of a dress but the cool thing is once that dress is on, you're done.  Don't worry about a matching top and bottom it's already all there all you have to do now is walk out you're door.  Solid colors is a great choice for girls who are maybe new to wearing dresses or perhaps aren't very big on dresses, solids allow for more flexibility from class to party to shopping.

 Karen wears her dress with a wide black belt in matching tights, boots, and a long button-up sweater.  This fabulous look takes little time to put together and fits into a wide variety of occasions.

Freshmen 15, sophomore 16, college can be a duel between the A's and B's.  By B's I'm referring to bulge!  Sometimes we silly humans think it's more important to read an extra chapter rather than actually going to the gym.  At least that's what I tell myself, but you know what's easier than going to the gym?  Putting on a nice A-line skirt.  Think about it, high enough to hide the pooch and roomy enough to glide when I strut.  Throw that on with a nice blouse you're ready for your class presentation or job interview, even with a nice t-shirt and flats it makes for an easy everyday look.  Skirts do come in different sizes such as the long skirts with a bohemian feel to it.  

 The identity of the fashionable is protected under the circumstance of I don't know who she is...  Found this girl studying and I like the idea of a casual sweater thrown over a skirt for a casual look with the flats to pull it together.

Who goes to college without shorts?  Beach party? Shorts!  Sunny day?  Shorts!  Shopping with the girls?  Shorts!  Everyone has them therefore the trick is to stand out in them, little tip?  High waisted shorts are the number one way to go.  High enough to hide the pooch, but short enough to show off those pins, hands down best colors to go with are black, white and navy.  Don't fear though there are lots of different styles for different body types, different patterns for different personalities no need to hop on a conveyor belt.  With the idea of shorts ladies please keep your butt cheeks in check.  Your bum does not look like the Victoria's Secret models after re-touching, find a pair that keeps everything in check for a sophisticated and polished look.  

Many more fashion tips, essentials and articles to come but I would like to know what you find/found essential as a broke college student.