We all want to be fashion leaders. But most of us are destined to be fashion followers. Even fashion bloggers are often inspired by someone else's genius, on a nearly daily basis. Don't be discouraged fashionistas! Many of the world's premier designers are themselves inspired by street style, by someone who had the nerve to dress the way they wanted to, not the way they were told to. And these innovators have inspired millions of people to, well, follow their lead! Ahhh, irony. Who inspires me? Well, at the risk of giving it away, I feel it is best to divulge to all of you some of my best kept secrets. I know these won't be secrets to all of you, but every time I meet people who still don't know about these sites, I find myself singing their praises. I will continue to offer these gems as time goes on, but these are the two that I suggest you start following right away! No time like the present...
#1-- Shopbop
Their lookbooks are ridiculous! You can shop by trend, price, color, and size, and they will send you daily e-mails telling you exactly what is on trend. In addition, if you are a fan of contemporary designers, you will eat your heart out at this site! They carry nearly every designer a girl aged 18-25 could dream of, and all the accessories to go with it.
#2-- Refinery 29
This site is literally like a dream come true. I thank the fashion gods on a daily basis for shining the light on this site. It provides a wealth of easy to read, quick tips for being fashion forward, all while suggesting a wide spectrum of retailers offering the trend being featured, at every price point. So unlike Shopbop, which we all know is not quite for the young, fabulous and broke (despite carrying the brand), Refinery 21 will show a girl on a budget how to follow the trends, and show a girl who has money burning a hole in her pocket where to blow all of her dough!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Completely neutral
There are so many advantages to neutrals that I don't even know where to begin! First and foremost, they are a hot spring trend, and we all love to be trendy. But even when they are not a trend, they are classic. This season, they are the best of both worlds! And although neutrals like taupe, khaki and camel seem to pair with just about everything, it is important to understand which neutrals work best for you, or you could find yourself in anything but neutral territory...
If you have a cool skin tone: wear taupes, or neutrals with gray or blue undertones. These will allow your skin to look its best, without looking washed out or sallow. If you think that you can't wear neutrals, it is because you have been wearing the wrong neutral...
If you have a warm skin tone: wear camels, or neutrals with brown or orange undertones. These will bring out the natural warmth of your skin, and summer is the best time to glow!
Neutrals can be worn with practically anything! Buy neutral pieces that are investment pieces, because they can be worn in practically any season, and never go out of style! They look especially pretty this season with laces, florals, and sheer white or cream tops.
If you have a cool skin tone: wear taupes, or neutrals with gray or blue undertones. These will allow your skin to look its best, without looking washed out or sallow. If you think that you can't wear neutrals, it is because you have been wearing the wrong neutral...
If you have a warm skin tone: wear camels, or neutrals with brown or orange undertones. These will bring out the natural warmth of your skin, and summer is the best time to glow!
Neutrals can be worn with practically anything! Buy neutral pieces that are investment pieces, because they can be worn in practically any season, and never go out of style! They look especially pretty this season with laces, florals, and sheer white or cream tops.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Movin on up/Tailor made
Shopping a great sale can be frustrating. After all, if you are an avid shopper like me, you'll spend hours picking through a sales rack looking for any semblance of a great purchase. Stores like Bebe, Express, United Colors of Benetton and Urban Outfitters will have these obscene sales! I'm talking about 50%, 60% and 70% off here! This can translate to saving more than you spend (ahhhhh, I love that)! But small boutiques, fashion forward stores and stores geared towards a younger market all have the same sales dilemma. Everything that is left is either an extra small, or an extra large. The extreme sizes, they're all that's left. The world's biggest catastrophe (dramatic? me? noooooo....) is finding the most adorable top, and it is a size large when you are a size small.
Most people just walk away when something isn't their size. I don't have it in me to do so. Especially if I am staring at a $60 top for $18. I can't, the sale is too irresistible. Now if the top is too small, I let it go. It is dangerous to fill your closet with clothes that you swear you will wear once you drop those last 5 pounds. But if it is too large, you have still struck gold! Many people who have never sewn have a difficult time seeing the potential of a garment that is too big for them. There is nothing wrong with that, sizes were invented for a reason. In the course of the Industrial Revolution, once Europe was finished making steel and other useless items, they moved on to more important things... MASS PRODUCING FASHION! And with this, came standardized sizes. Before this, people had clothes made specifically for them, or they made them themselves. Call me (very) old-fashioned, but I like the idea of having clothes made to my exact proportions. And this, dear friends, is why I have nearly everything tailored. And if I find it on sale, one size too big, the better. So do not be afraid to move up a size on apparel that you find on sale. Even if you have it tailored, best bet, you'll still save $$ in the end.
Disclaimer: Certain items, and certain fabrics, are somewhat immune to this rule of thumb. For example, I would not recommend this with sweaters (or should I saw knits in general) or silks (because it is silk, and silk is precious!). IN ADDITION, when seeking out a quality tailor, it is best to shop around, read reviews and seek out your city's "Best of" recipients, and invest the time (and some well worn pieces of apparel that mean little to nothing to you) to find the right tailor. Take a few old pairs of pants or a dress that your grandmother bought you and you shoved to the back of closet, and take them to your short list of tailors to ensure that they listen well to your instructions and return the garments to you in good condition. I have a great tailor, and found them on the first try, but I have heard horror stories. It is better to lose an old dress then the one you are wearing in your sister's wedding in two weeks. Don't take chances with important apparel!
Most people just walk away when something isn't their size. I don't have it in me to do so. Especially if I am staring at a $60 top for $18. I can't, the sale is too irresistible. Now if the top is too small, I let it go. It is dangerous to fill your closet with clothes that you swear you will wear once you drop those last 5 pounds. But if it is too large, you have still struck gold! Many people who have never sewn have a difficult time seeing the potential of a garment that is too big for them. There is nothing wrong with that, sizes were invented for a reason. In the course of the Industrial Revolution, once Europe was finished making steel and other useless items, they moved on to more important things... MASS PRODUCING FASHION! And with this, came standardized sizes. Before this, people had clothes made specifically for them, or they made them themselves. Call me (very) old-fashioned, but I like the idea of having clothes made to my exact proportions. And this, dear friends, is why I have nearly everything tailored. And if I find it on sale, one size too big, the better. So do not be afraid to move up a size on apparel that you find on sale. Even if you have it tailored, best bet, you'll still save $$ in the end.
Disclaimer: Certain items, and certain fabrics, are somewhat immune to this rule of thumb. For example, I would not recommend this with sweaters (or should I saw knits in general) or silks (because it is silk, and silk is precious!). IN ADDITION, when seeking out a quality tailor, it is best to shop around, read reviews and seek out your city's "Best of" recipients, and invest the time (and some well worn pieces of apparel that mean little to nothing to you) to find the right tailor. Take a few old pairs of pants or a dress that your grandmother bought you and you shoved to the back of closet, and take them to your short list of tailors to ensure that they listen well to your instructions and return the garments to you in good condition. I have a great tailor, and found them on the first try, but I have heard horror stories. It is better to lose an old dress then the one you are wearing in your sister's wedding in two weeks. Don't take chances with important apparel!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Earth Day meets everyday....
One day of the year, we celebrate our life sustaining PLANET. You know the place that we live, the place that provides us food, the essential mix of the appropriate gases in the atmosphere that keep us breathing, not to mention the source of (through a degree or two of separation) silk, cotton, wool, CASHMERE (ahhhhhh) and linen. Yes, folks, I'm talking natural fabrics. Even synthetics, like polyester, are made from petroleum which yes, Mother Earth has provided us. It's unfortunate that the miraculous and unappreciated Mother Earth gets one day of celebration, in the same vein as April Fool's Day and Valentine's Day, but who am I to judge?
Let's face it, we all take her for granted. She is lambasted any time she causes us inconvenience, but we are unwilling to give up our Range Rovers until gas prices go through the roof, and we must decide, mortgage payment or fancy SUV?
Fashion is no kinder to Mother Earth. We use and abuse our clothes and throw them away, not considering how much of that shirt was made with materials that came directly from the ground. Fashion is by it's very definition wasteful.
In light of Earth Day, I am throwing out into the universe some tips for taking it a little easier on the old girl while still looking fabulous.
Tip #1: Shop consignment or thrift. It is actually fun ladies! And while the idea of wearing some stranger's clothes has always given me a little shiver, that is why washing machines were invented. Well, sort of. Take an afternoon, scope out a few consignment shops, and while you're there, take some of your own gently used but completely played out duds for a fellow fashionista to find. It's a cliche, I know, but one woman's trash really is another woman's favorite new pair of jeans.
Tip #2: Shop green! It isn't just for cars and food anymore. The green revolution is taking over fashion, and actually has been for quite a while. A few designers/manufacturers that are attempting to make "green" apparel (and I don't mean the color):
*Mocuin
*Osbourne Design
*Beau Soleil
*Loomstate
*G-Shock
*Organic by John Patrick
*Popomomo
*Cocolico
*Dagmar
*Bllack Noir
*Provo
*People Tree
*Praire Underground
list partial c/o--www.refinery29.com
Tip #3: Invest in classic and basic clothes that will last! Constantly buying new trendy clothes that you are only going to throw out in a season is fun, but utterly wasteful. Spend good money on the clothes that never really go out of style (suits, denim, basic t's and sweaters, slacks) and DONATE the trendy stuff to Goodwill. You may not want to wear something because it is out of style, but not everyone is a fashion innovator, or can afford to be choosy.
Tip #4: Make your own apparel. I can't believe that I am even typing this because sewing class made me cry on more than one occasion, but if you have the patience and the desire to do sew, do it! You can channel your inner designer, make clothes perfectly suited to your figure, and make all the little adjustments to the clothes that you would LOVE if only.... Plus, a lot of fabric stores, especially online (I <3 Fabric.com) sell organic fabrics. Wow, maybe I should reconsider pulling out the old sewing machine? Nahhhhh...
Let's face it, we all take her for granted. She is lambasted any time she causes us inconvenience, but we are unwilling to give up our Range Rovers until gas prices go through the roof, and we must decide, mortgage payment or fancy SUV?
Fashion is no kinder to Mother Earth. We use and abuse our clothes and throw them away, not considering how much of that shirt was made with materials that came directly from the ground. Fashion is by it's very definition wasteful.
In light of Earth Day, I am throwing out into the universe some tips for taking it a little easier on the old girl while still looking fabulous.
Tip #1: Shop consignment or thrift. It is actually fun ladies! And while the idea of wearing some stranger's clothes has always given me a little shiver, that is why washing machines were invented. Well, sort of. Take an afternoon, scope out a few consignment shops, and while you're there, take some of your own gently used but completely played out duds for a fellow fashionista to find. It's a cliche, I know, but one woman's trash really is another woman's favorite new pair of jeans.
Tip #2: Shop green! It isn't just for cars and food anymore. The green revolution is taking over fashion, and actually has been for quite a while. A few designers/manufacturers that are attempting to make "green" apparel (and I don't mean the color):
*Mocuin
*Osbourne Design
*Beau Soleil
*Loomstate
*G-Shock
*Organic by John Patrick
*Popomomo
*Cocolico
*Dagmar
*Bllack Noir
*Provo
*People Tree
*Praire Underground
list partial c/o--www.refinery29.com
Tip #3: Invest in classic and basic clothes that will last! Constantly buying new trendy clothes that you are only going to throw out in a season is fun, but utterly wasteful. Spend good money on the clothes that never really go out of style (suits, denim, basic t's and sweaters, slacks) and DONATE the trendy stuff to Goodwill. You may not want to wear something because it is out of style, but not everyone is a fashion innovator, or can afford to be choosy.
Tip #4: Make your own apparel. I can't believe that I am even typing this because sewing class made me cry on more than one occasion, but if you have the patience and the desire to do sew, do it! You can channel your inner designer, make clothes perfectly suited to your figure, and make all the little adjustments to the clothes that you would LOVE if only.... Plus, a lot of fabric stores, especially online (I <3 Fabric.com) sell organic fabrics. Wow, maybe I should reconsider pulling out the old sewing machine? Nahhhhh...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
For the birds....
Are you a trend-setter? Or a classic a la Audrey? It's rare, but on occasion, you can be both simultaneously! One of this season's hot trends--birds! Which I love, and I'm going to tell you why. Every spring, the powers that be in the fashion world tout florals as the hot spring trend. It is not a trend when every manufacturer and designer rolls out some semblance of florals EVERY SPRING (sorry, H&M, but calling it "The Garden Collection" ain't foolin anybody!). So whether it be a light scarf with a simple bird print, or a completely over the top bird embellished tunic top, you can be super-fly in this season's innovative trend... I know, it was more like a super-pun, but I couldn't resist.
Black & Blue
Ok, I am an equal opportunity blogger, so I am directing this post towards both sexes...
This issue of black being worn with navy is my #1 pet peeve. Although I thought that this issue was cleared up with the invention of the wheel, apparently, some people missed the bus.
This one's for the boys: Black is appropriate AS AN ACCESSORY, most notably, a shoe, with navy suits. In fact, it is the best bet, unless you have some very dark brown, Italian leather shoes that are too powerful and sexy to resist.
All my ladies: Never wear black & navy blue separates, such as a navy sweater with black pants or skirts. Please. I am begging you. I promise, despite what your best friend (who should be fired) or your mother (who is biologically obligated to love you) may say, it does not look good. Now, there is an exception in the form of denim, but it better be denim, don't try to sneak some navy cords past me. Just because they have rivets, this doesn't make them denim.
Color me confused: There are several shades of blue, so I am not saying that no shade of blue will pair with black, but be careful. When it comes to dark shades of blue, I'm a proponent of pairing white. It's so nautical and Jackie O! Take into consideration your skin tone: If you are a "cool" skin-tone, go with inky, dark navys. If you are a "warm" skin-tone, go with bright navys. If you are having trouble identifying the difference between the navys, your local fabric store can be your best friend. Just do a little side by side. We've all become experts at comparison. We've been comparing current boyfriends to ex-boyfriends for years, so comparing fabric will be a breeze.
Rock your body: If you are busty, but tiny on the bottom (Dolly Parton style), wear the navy or dark blue shirt, and white or light colored pants. If you have a little bit of junk in your trunk (J.Lo style) avoid the white pants, and go for the white top. Wear the navy in a pant or skirt. It will balance your figure.
On a separate note: this is just one fashionista's opinion, but be careful when choosing navy suits as a woman. First and foremost, navy conveys a friendliness that works well for men in a business atmosphere, but can undermine a woman's ability to be powerful or aggressive in the workplace. Great perhaps for the interview, not so much for the promotion. In addition, navy suits, if you have your heart set on one, should be an investment. Black hides everything, but navy, it can look cheap if it is cheap. So consider this when building your professional wardrobe. I have a great pair of navy slacks, and I often pair them with a light colored cashmere sweater.
This issue of black being worn with navy is my #1 pet peeve. Although I thought that this issue was cleared up with the invention of the wheel, apparently, some people missed the bus.
This one's for the boys: Black is appropriate AS AN ACCESSORY, most notably, a shoe, with navy suits. In fact, it is the best bet, unless you have some very dark brown, Italian leather shoes that are too powerful and sexy to resist.
All my ladies: Never wear black & navy blue separates, such as a navy sweater with black pants or skirts. Please. I am begging you. I promise, despite what your best friend (who should be fired) or your mother (who is biologically obligated to love you) may say, it does not look good. Now, there is an exception in the form of denim, but it better be denim, don't try to sneak some navy cords past me. Just because they have rivets, this doesn't make them denim.
Color me confused: There are several shades of blue, so I am not saying that no shade of blue will pair with black, but be careful. When it comes to dark shades of blue, I'm a proponent of pairing white. It's so nautical and Jackie O! Take into consideration your skin tone: If you are a "cool" skin-tone, go with inky, dark navys. If you are a "warm" skin-tone, go with bright navys. If you are having trouble identifying the difference between the navys, your local fabric store can be your best friend. Just do a little side by side. We've all become experts at comparison. We've been comparing current boyfriends to ex-boyfriends for years, so comparing fabric will be a breeze.
Rock your body: If you are busty, but tiny on the bottom (Dolly Parton style), wear the navy or dark blue shirt, and white or light colored pants. If you have a little bit of junk in your trunk (J.Lo style) avoid the white pants, and go for the white top. Wear the navy in a pant or skirt. It will balance your figure.
On a separate note: this is just one fashionista's opinion, but be careful when choosing navy suits as a woman. First and foremost, navy conveys a friendliness that works well for men in a business atmosphere, but can undermine a woman's ability to be powerful or aggressive in the workplace. Great perhaps for the interview, not so much for the promotion. In addition, navy suits, if you have your heart set on one, should be an investment. Black hides everything, but navy, it can look cheap if it is cheap. So consider this when building your professional wardrobe. I have a great pair of navy slacks, and I often pair them with a light colored cashmere sweater.
Introduction
Hello! I am a Fashion Merchandising graduate who is starting my own image consulting firm. It's a very difficult business convincing people that they need someone to tell them what to wear, but as we all know, fashion does not come naturally to all. It does not even come naturally to most. And I, dear readers, am not immune. Before I went to Fashion school, I made a few missteps myself. Some would claim that I still do, but what is fashion without a little risk taking? Can I cure the world of bad taste? Probably not... although, a girl can dream. So if you are one of those who think you have it all together, read this blog, and laugh with me. If you are one of those who has no idea, treat these posts like one of those "blah blah blah for Dummies" books... as a light-hearted, back to basics guide to fashion-- the way your mother should have taught you, if she hadn't grown up in the disco era or the decade of leggings and lace.
Disclaimer: Read this post with a glass of champagne, for I will likely be writing it with one, and it will be easier if we are all on the same page!
Disclaimer: Read this post with a glass of champagne, for I will likely be writing it with one, and it will be easier if we are all on the same page!
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