Arctic

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I would like to give a quick shout-out to all my midwest people braving that horrendous cold.  On the bright side it really looks as though people are enjoying throwing boiling water and watching it turn into ice or snow or whatever.  Bundle up, stay safe, keep warm.

Apparently it's so cold that moving to the South Pole would actually be warmer, whether or not it's true I don't know, but whatever say hi to Santa for me.  Let me clue those that have never dealt with this much cold, I have actually slept in a jacket, mittens, a hat and Ugg boots.   

1. Don't complain: This realization came to me after a blizzard happened during my spring break.  As I braveed the cold the rest of my class went to Mexico, the Caribbean and Hawaii.  The  rest of us were in the same frigid boat and mother nature does not care.  Instead I stayed at home with my toast and hot coco and watched the Travel channel's best resort special and took it like a real woman.

2. Start on the inside: Long john's were the bane of my existence as a kid but now I really kick myself for not utilizing them more.  The idea is the thermal should keep you warmer by adding another layer thin enough to fit under jeans and sweaters without really bulking up an outfit.  Especially for jeans, jeans are the worst for winter, they are always cold so add a thermal underneath.

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  Girls get to wear tights but they're useless if they're thin, go for the fleece leggings.  My mother bought me a pair for my birthday last year and it's now a big wardrobe staple.  Very snug, very warm, very practical, don't you just love that?  And your corner Walgreens should carry them from
$6-$8.00.  Layering is such a big part of winter wear that those who understand are the ones who need it. which brings me to three...

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3. Layered: Fun fact about Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, when they first moved to New York City they had a rather interesting choice of clothing.  They were piling on clothes almost to the point of looking unrecognizable that is if you could find them underneath all those clothes.  Reality was they were just trying to stay warm.  Wearing skin tight gloves under knit mittens, a skull cap under a knit cap, and a fleece scarf under a knit scarf are little tricks.  Find a sweater that clings to your skin, throw on a chunky sweater vest over it and there's something new for you and should help guard you against that blasted cold.  Something I loved doing was the double jacket maneuver.  A cropped wool jacket on the inside and a bulkier thermal jacket on the outside so if I forgot to zip or button up the outside I still had on another layer.  Remember to actually button and zip all those little buttons, hooks, and zippers so air is very limited in entering your body.  Also be careful when layering because you don't want to plumb yourself by not flattering yourself.  Really study your figure and add pieces you never thought of.

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5.  Speaking of coats:  Some people do make the mistake in choosing the wrong coat, Remember most people see you in coats most of the time. Flimsy, big, loud you name it I've seen it or worn it. Duh you want a furry hood but if you want durability skip the fur-trimmed hood and just get a furry hood.  You want insulation really and desperate times call for desperate measures.  At the end of the day we're all cold judgement is left at a minimum but you can still attempt style.  Puffy jackets are good as long as they offer something worthwhile in return such as insulation.  Pick your material accordingly, I would rather go
for wool, fleece, cashmere than leather.  Leather doesn't work unless your wearing something inside.

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4. These boots were made for...: Stilletto boots are fun but not when you're waling on ice or looking out for black ice.  You want something with more traction and you also want to tuck your pants into the boot.  Think of it as rehearsal and opening show, the shoes you wear outside is rehearsal and the ones you change into is the actual performance.  Winter boots don't have to be ugly and a lot of designers have realized that and have made accomodations.  What you should really try to find is a furry inside for maximum heat, but at the same time you want to be able to clean it easily.  After a while the salt on the road mixed with the dirty snow wrecks havoc on your winter wear.

Stay warm, stay safe...

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.


 

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.

Windycitymissy

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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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Remember to follow me on instagram to find new projects I'm working on and all my latest inspirations.

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.