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Cut-Out Dresses Are the Cutest of the New Fashion Trends

January 27th, 2012 . Comments Off

I have been bombarded by newsletters lately of new fashion for the spring, even going into summer. And of all the new fashion trends, the one that has been the most “squee” worthy for me is all the dresses with cut-outs. Not the kind that make you look a little, well, underdressed, but the kind that are flirty without being too much. Here are some of my favorites that I’m dying to get:

This Melted Caramel Dress from ModCloth is absolutely adorable. With cutouts just below the armpit, it has the right amount of sass.

This Gingham dress from ASOS is so cute and just the perfect amount of sexy. Wear this out to your next picnic and attract some attention.

Bare your shoulders with this really cute dress from Lulus. It's military chic!

I’d love one of each, please, but the plenty of more I’ve been seeing everywhere. Fashion trends come and go, so I’m definitely jumping on this one before it goes. It’s just too cute for words!

Posted in Fashion Trends
Tags: dresses, Fashion, Fashion Trends, spring

Chanel Remains Boldly Classic in Paris

January 25th, 2012 . Comments Off

Nothing like Spring time in Paris! The first hints of the fresh season are in the air as Paris Fashion Week dominates and captivates the City of Lights. All the major designers have shows for this period, including the Karl Langerfeld’s Haute Couture Collection for Chanel.

There were certain traits, such as blue tones and wide, loose collars, which dominated the collection. These designs are modern twists on classic Chanel looks of the past. Fashionably funky tweed pants and skirts suits were also popular as were bubble sleeves, and ruffles and other 3D, texturized fabrics.

While some of these ensembles were obviously over-the-top ensembles, many of the looks could be obviously and easily translated into less outrageous, more accessible looks. This is largely the appeal of any Chanel collection; while it is bold and over-the-top on the runway, it still appears like doable fashion to the audience at the show and abroad. Although these ensembles were accented by spiky hairdos and towering heels, their innate elegance was not overwhelmed by these accessories.

At Paris Fashion Week 2012, Chanel once again showcases a classic, elegant collection that any fashionista may imagine herself wearing.

Posted in accessories, Fashion, Fashion News, Fashion Trends, Fashion Week
Tags: chanel, Fashion, fashion week, Haut Couture, style

Fashion Trends for SOPA

January 18th, 2012 . Comments Off

There is an appropriate outfit for every occasion, whether it is for the opera or a SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act)-inspired blackout. Major websites, such as Wikipedia and Reddit, will be “blacking out” today in protest of this Big Brother-esque Bill. Such a move is obviously unprecedented and thus deserves the appropriate ensemble.

If you are joining the protest, your outfit should reflect your opinion on this matter. Any occurrence or event is a valid excuse to construct a new outfit. The most obvious choice is to wear an all black ensemble. This is a fun reason to rock your little black dress. If you are interested in invoking an Audrey Hepburn, Parisian aesthetic, wear red or black flats, fitted straight leg black pants, and a tailored black shirt or sweater; enjoy this excuse to be chic and wear your outfit knowing that you are styled for a worthy cause! This solid color scheme also provides you with many accessory options.

For example, to keep the look simple and classic, you should wear only a few items of demure jewelry, such as sterling silver earring studs and sterling silver bangles. In order to give your look more of an edge, take inspiration from flower-power forbearers, and wear bolder, more dynamic accessories like red feather earrings and yellow bangles.

Posted in Uncategorized

Shopping for a Themed Party

January 13th, 2012 . Comments Off

In two weeks I’ll be heading to a themed party in Brooklyn. It’s a Noir/ Pulp Fiction party and shopping for 1960s style dresses and shoes has been a bit of a task, or at least it was until I broadened my horizons. I was looking too much to actually buying vintage at first, but with all of the designers who have put out vintage styles with modern prices, it’s been easier to find what I’m looking for. Now, I can’t even seem to narrow down which dress I’d like!

When shopping for a themed party, it is key to do the same. For a really rich, great look, don’t go with costumes. While they are cheap and easy, it’s going to show that you didn’t put much thought into your outfit. If it’s a theme around an older decade, try places like Modcloth.com or Pinupgirls.com for pieces that match. If it’s a particular genre, like sci-fi or fantasy, take that creativity and put it to good use. There are many open interpretations to these kind of things, so keep an open mind!

When it comes to fashion for themed parties, embrace something totally different from what you would normally wear!

Posted in Fashion Shopping
Tags: Fashion, vintage

The Art of Thrifting

January 12th, 2012 . Comments Off

I recently went on a grand shopping tour of Williamsburg, Brooklyn thrift stores. For many, the best part of thrift shopping is the thrill of the hunt. You very rarely immediately find worthy purchases; generally, you have to search for the hidden treasures. Thrifting requires a well trained eye and a lot of patience. This is an occupation that gets easier with time and practice. And, sometimes, whether you are a novice or a professional, you will get lucky and see a must-have item within a minute of entering the store. The resulting exaltation inspires you to continue in your quest.

There are also many different types of thrift stores. The type of thrift store you choose to shop in may depend on your personal interests. Major thrift store chains generally have fairly rapid turnover rates that are primarily based on season and trends. For example, the Beacon’s Closet in Williamsburg generally features clothing that is more retro or modern, rather than vintage, presumably because the store buy a large portion of their items from locals who sell them for a commission. Despite this, it has a very decent collection of vintage shoes. These shoes are funky and vibrant or classic and elegant. A portion of them were probably handmade; they seem to be the best example of vintage inventory currently found at Beacon’s Closet.

Thrifting is a learned skill, but one you acquire it, you will be able to find one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories.

Posted in Fashion, Fashion Trends
Tags: Fashion, trends, vintage

Need Inspiration? Check out Chictopia

January 6th, 2012 . Comments Off

Sometimes there are fashion websites I just fall in love with. I love getting inspiration for new outfits but sometimes I feel like the runways and celebrities aren’t the best material to get inspiration from, because the outfits are just either too outrageous or far beyond my budget. I longed for some inspiration from real life fashionistas and that’s when I came across Chictopia.

It’s full of people, men and women, submitting their own photos of their day to day outfits. And my god, they are fabulous! They also make me severely jealous of their wardrobes. The great thing is, they list almost every piece they wear, name and brand, and it runs the gamut from more expensive designer clothes to items you can find at H&M. They take anything and make it look GOOD!

I mean, check out the outfit below on user LouiseDarling. Look at that skirt, those boots!

And this outfit from Jamour? Can I raid her closet, PLEASE?

It seriously inspires both jealousy and creativity to start changing up my wardrobe and seeing how I can incorporate these styles into my own day to day wardrobe.

so if you are pining for something new, are dying for some ideas, Chictopia is it.

Posted in Fashion Tips, Fashion Trends

Mixing Fashion Trends from Different Seasons

January 5th, 2012 . Comments Off

We may be in the heart of winter, but that does not mean that we cannot dream about spring. And, while you wait for the weather to warm up and sundress season to start (it will happen, promise!), you may incorporate certain warmer season elements into your wardrobe.

Pair one of your summer skirts or wear winter-fabric shorts with a pair of funky sweater tights. This way you are getting the best of both worlds; you may express your desire to wear bolder colors and patterns with your need to stay warm while looking stylish. Mixing and patching different textures will keep your wardrobe fresh and interesting

This is not to say that winter fabrics and patterns are without their merit. They have many benefits; primary among them is that they are made of thicker fabric that is designed to keep you warmer in the long winter months. Plaids and flannels come in different colors and fabrics, which enables you to incorporate them into your wardrobe I n a variety of ways. Corduroy also offer dependable, versatile fashion options, since they come in a variety of forms.

Wearing the same type of clothing becomes stagnant after a while, so combine cold and warmer weather fashion trends.

Posted in Fashion, Fashion Shopping, Fashion Tips, Fashion Trends, Tips
Tags: Fashion, Fashion Trends

Banana Republic’s Mad Men Collection

September 6th, 2011 . Comments Off

Let us discuss Banana Republic’s “Mad Men” collect ion. Personally, I cannot imagine anyone having a negative comment to make about it. The looks, all of which are inspired by the show, which in turn were inspired by actual styles of the 1950s and early 1960s, are classic and flattering for both women and men. The fashions are for both work and casual wear, and are reminiscent of outfits worn by Peggy, Joan, Betty, Pete, Roger, and of course, Don.

My favorite item is definitely the Izzy classic pump. The shoes are available in either black or rouge; personally, I really want the pumps in rouge. They are available for $120, which a coworker thinks is less than the original price. I am going to wait a week before I adore them and see if the price goes down again.

The reviews of the shoes have been very positive. The majority of reviews are very positive, and every reviewer mentions that she is overall pleased with the purchase. The shoes are listed as running true to size.

Everything in the Mad Men collection was designed in collaboration with the television series’ costume designer, Janie Bryant, so the clothing literally looks like it was taken from the show.

Posted in accessories, Fashion, Fashion News, Fashion Shopping, Fashion Trends

A Long Love Affair with Polka Dots

August 10th, 2011 . Comments Off

I admit it; I have an obsession with polka dots. In fact, as I write this I am currently wearing a polka dot shirt. My makeup bag and wallet also feature polka dots, albeit different kinds. While I am aware this may be excess, I try not to overwhelm my look with them. There is, after all, a certain finesse to wearing polka dots; you do not want them to look too cutesy only a select few individuals can pull off the Mini Mouse look.

People generally have articles of clothing with which they associate certain moments or events. I do not have a specific item, I have a clothing theme. I can measure important moments in my life with polka dot dresses. After moving from New York City to Long Island, I began my first day of kindergarten wearing a purple polka dot dress with green trim; I looked like a grape, not Barney. On my first day of working at a “real” job, I wore a polka dot blouse.

Although polka dots are generally considered a spring and summer pattern, they may easily transition into autumn and winter. You can wear a polka dot blouse or scarf, or even pair a polka dot dress with leggings or stockings. Come wintertime, I indulge my addiction by wearing a polka dot headband.

Polka dots are whimsical and fun, traits that should be in season year round.

Posted in Fashion

How to Wear an Orange Skirt

August 4th, 2011 . Comments Off

I did some shopping recently and picked up a beautiful pleated, pumpkin orange skirt for the fall. It’s thick, about knee length, and just adorable. And orange being my favorite color, I couldn’t pass it up. So how does one wear an orange skirt without looking like they are trying too hard?

I plan on making the skirt the statement piece so softer colors with it may be the best idea. Cream and white tops are a safe bet. A sweater for the cooler days and a light blouse for the warmer days of fall will work. Tucked in a top, especially with a pleated skirt, and it will really pull together your look instead of looking sloppy. Grey also works as a variant on the white.

Blue is actually a nice contrast to orange as well, but stick with a cobalt blue and nothing too much brighter. Navy can pair as well. Black tops work as well but try not to look too much like a Halloween Queen, it’ll come off tacky.

For accessories, grey or cream shoes will pair well without clashing or attracting too much attention. And don’t ever forget the wonders of a nude pump! They go with everything, hence why they are NUDE! Pick handbags in a brown or nice, fall green color. You’ll be surprised how well they pop against the orange. And gold, gold, gold for jewelry accessories! They are going to compliment beautifully.

I can’t wait to pair my skirt with a perfect pair of pumps or flat boots and wear it both to work and out at night. Embrace the boldness of orange this fall!

Posted in Fashion Tips
Tags: accessories, fall styles, fall trends, Fashion, orange clothing, orange skirt, outfits, wardrobe