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.

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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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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.

Back talk

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Lately I've found myself reminiscing about the past and before you think sentimental I've been thinking about certain people I can't really stand the sight of.  I've realized that some friendships just change or people who you think would /should be open to a friendship are just too self involved to realize what a good friend is.  Best to just turn your back on petty stupidity and walk ahead, and let me tell you the back is just as beautiful as the front.  Don't be so focused on your front that you neglect your back, after all we have to give the haters some parting gift don't we?

Let's give them something to talk about and next time you buy a top turn it around to look at the back.  Don't keep going for the crotchet and lace back that is see through but really go a bit classier and edgier with your clothes.  First understand how to go backless: if your bra strap has to show keep it moving.  Bra's come in different sizes and shapes and there are those you can just attach to your breast and you can call it a day.  Having that strap across your back or just your bra being visible is just tacky and not okay, we as women are the classy ones in the human race.  It's a tough job but somebody's gotta do it and it might as well be the ones' in heels.

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My personal wishlist: get a black long sleeved shirt with a scoop back, just to pair that with a red pleated skirt and a pair of flats...  Before you just buy any kind of backless number decide what the endgame is, are you hoping to be edgy, classy, fun and flirty?  Remember that a backless number is also another impression of who you are.  Think about this, your teacher sees you walk away, your boss sees you walk away, your parents see you walk away, your priest, your buddy, the cashier...  The list goes on but definitely keep that in mind when shopping.

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If you're not afraid of some tan lines then definetly go for a piece with an interesting cut-out design or criss-cross pattern up top.  Keep in mind to pull the hair up and away from your back perhaps in a sleek side-pony, chic bun or chignon.

Remember to be backless with a purpose don't just cut some holes on the back of a shirt and think you're done no!  Play around with the back a little perhaps a cute long necklace with a pendant could make a cool and alluring effect.  Or perhaps you're looking for a great way to show off all those back muscles you've recently acquired after busting your buns in the gym, a scoop back is a great way to show of your new toned friends.  Wanna go for something fancier?  Try a deep V-cut in the back for a clean and sophisticated look.  Be careful not to go too low for fear of showing a little more than you want, imagine sitting down and well we all get to see the tip of the moon.  For crying out loud be careful about the backless shirt, a misconception we have today is the more skin the better.  In fact we as women are naturally attractive and it's important that we leave people with imagination.

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Fashion Hero

When it comes to fashion are you a follower or do you make the path worth following?  Following a trend can be interesting having to piece together different trends to create a signature look while making the path is almost like an adrenaline rush because you never know what the reaction will be.  Whenever I get dressed I like to try something new, something will turn have to turn someone's head so fast they get whiplash.  

The trick is to keep your idyll chatter to the lips of the fashionably ignorant and choosing the opinions that matter most.  But even with all that it takes a lot of courage just to be able to turn the door knob without scurrying off to change let alone walk out the door with your head held high.  Even with all that I summon the power of my fashion superhero Fran Fine a.k.a. the best nanny ever!

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I can only imagine the confidence it takes for this woman to wear whatever it is she feels suits her.  From the furry jacket to the kooky patterned suits, my favorite is the one with a brick pattern to it.  Really her style emulated her personality: odd, jaw-dropping, slightly nauseating, but in the just makes you laugh cause you can't help but love it.  

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Some people may not understand this but in the time of the show airing her skirts where too short.  Granted today girls just love showing off their bits and pieces but in that time she was really sexual and made a lot of innuendos that while we may not bat our eye lashes at it, back then it wasn't really tossed around much.

Confession: there are times when I have something that is so out there I refuse to wear something because of public opinion.  Gasp!  I know, I know, but then I channel in my inner Fran Fine and walk with a little bit more swing in my hips.  I will say she has inspired a few pieces in my closet such as, a jacket with blue chalk writing all over it, a plaid Jacket and a few funky dresses and a huge love of pantyhose.

What can we learn from Fran?  Crazy works, sometimes.  Not all her outfits are winners but you have to admit she had a way of staying true to herself no matter what the circumstance.  Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to keep a couple leopard pieces in the closet, a little skirt and perhaps a nice scarf?  Most of the time if I don't know how to wear a new daring piece all I have to think is WWFD?  Frannie would wear it with a big smile and sashay her hips around town.

Now who could forget this face?

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