Thursday, February 20, 2014

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
 

Monday, February 17, 2014

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. 

Sunday, February 16, 2014

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.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

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

Monday, January 13, 2014

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.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

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

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Arctic

Chicagotribune.com
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.
Pinterest.com
Intimint.com
  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...

Pinterest.com
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.


Necessaryclothing.hardpin.com
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.

Elle.com
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...