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.

Joycotton.com

Laurenconrad.com

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.

Listal.com

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. 

Style.com

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. 

Elfsacks.com

Modaoperandi.com

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. 

Luckymag.com

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

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.  

Farfetch.com

Pinterest.com

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.

Resolution I

Well readers it's that time of year again: back to the grind, back to the schedules, back to good intentions of productivity.  How long till you break your?  I'm giving myself two weeks but luckily I'm taking preventative measures so I think it'll be more uphill than downhill this year.

Take a look at your closet and pick the one thing you hate.  Got it?  Good.  Now wear it tomorrow with something you love.  Clearly if it's two skirts it's not gonna work but find two opposites and make it work, push your creative spirit.  A look I'm really going to commit to trying is the bulky look.  Over-sized sweaters with a more bohemian skirt finished with a pair of boots.

Amazing how everything wrong seems to end up kind of chic instead.  This outfit is amazing for all those after holiday treats that piled up around the stomach and thighs.

TraceeEllisRoss.com

If this look makes you want to bolt the other way I'm right there with you but before you push the EXIT door give it a second look.  Honestly I would never wear pantyhose and open toed shoes, while I understand the fashion styling, in real life it's like having a giant toe.  Try one at a time starting with the skirt and then tack on a more fitted sweater.  If you're like me on the first day back to the grind you underestimate how much time it'll actually take you to get ready but with this you can throw it on.

A full skirt and an interesting sweater would also work amazingly well on fast days.  A sweater for these never ending cold air and a cool pair of shoes because come on, who needs a reason to wear fabulous shoes?  Look at the pictures below for some inspiration and don't be afraid to add your own touch.  Maybe with a kitten sweater, a patterned skirt or some statement shoes... also send me pics of your creations and I'll definitely post them up.

Makelifeeasier.pl

Pinterest.com

Theglitterguide.com

Pinterest.com

Lolobu.com