Late to the Party: Wardrobe Gap

It has come to my attention that there is not a single animal-print item anywhere in my wardrobe.  This is a serious problem - I almost feel like I should revoke my own fashionista status.  Needless to say, the situation needs to be rectified immediately, and luckily I'm going shopping with one of my friends on Monday.  I'm going to keep my eyes open for something irresistible in an animal print.  I'm browsing online now for back-to-school clothes, and I found a few things to consider as ideas.  I'm especially partial to the cheetah-print skirt since I love the bodycon silhouette so much, but we'll see what I discover on Monday that makes me purr.

 

 Meow!

InStyle: Inspirations & Ideas

Hello Hello!

I've been MIA lately and may be for a little while longer - things suddenly got hectic with job hunting, writing, etc.  But I took a little while tonight to flip through the brand-new issue of InStyle: Makeover: and found some inspirations and ideas I'm definitely excited to try out.

1. DIY projects.  The magazine has some really cool ideas for embellishments to add to clothes with little more than glue, a little ribbon, and some lace or feather trim.  In particular, I want to try making the feather-trim necklace that can serve as a collar for a dress and adding lace to a basic t-shirt.  I'll post pics once I actually do this stuff - I'm so excited!

Also, there were some simpler ideas to help transform accessories - putting a brooch on a chain to make a necklace, wearing necklaces as bracelets, and putting clip-on earrings onto flats to dress them up.  I'll try these ideas too!

2. New pieces.  Featured trends for fall I'm tempted by.
-Capes!  A cape would take a lot of guts to pull off, but I love that the silhouette is so different from standard peacoats and parkas.  I think they have a real old-world charm.  This short version from American Apparel would be awesome!

3. Inspirations for outfits.  The issue of InStyle is ripe with ideas for outfits and looks.
-Lately I've been in a slump with my jet-setting attire, settling for leggings, and oversize hoodie, and boots.  Not acceptable!  Luckily, in a set of classic style tips, InStyle helped nail it down: a cashmere wrap, a scarf, jeans, and boots are my new airplane uniform.  Substitute flats for boots in the warmer months, and I'm set.

-The magazine had the idea of buying cashmere sweaters at JCrew in kids' sizes, which are half the price of adult sizes.  I'm a believer in the idea that there is no such thing as too much cashmere, and since I'm so tiny, this idea is genius.

-Alexa Chung: InStyle cited the model/muse/designer as a major fashion inspiration, and her tomboy-chic style is right up my alley.  Some looks of hers I love:

Especially love this one.  She is too cute!

Photos from Google.

-Print mixing.  I've never been way into prints before - I usually prefer solids because I'm so picky - but I've seen some super-cute prints lately and since mixing and matching them has been deemed acceptable for years now, I might be ready to venture into that realm.  More on that another time.


4. New store to check out.  www.asos.com, a British clothing site.  It's like a quirkier version of Urban Outfitters, with a mix of designers and lower-priced pieces. I'm too exhausted right now to give my full attention to the site, so I'll browse it later and post the pieces that really catch my eye.  


This hasn't been my most attentive post, but I'll hopefully pick back up again within a few days.  Happy Thursday night!  (I guess it's Friday now...)

P.S. Not sure why, but some of the text is showing up really small and I can't get it to change.  Too tired to fix it now. 

Trends: Looking Before Leaping + "New" Discovery

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Even though my personal style is trendy and quirky, I can be very hesitant about trying a particular funky trend.  Specifically, two trends I've bucked thus far but am finding myself falling for are rompers and moccasin booties.  I've always thought rompers can be really cute if you pull them off right, but I've avoided them thus far because I figured they were a fast-fading fad, because after all, you can't spell "trend" without "e-n-d".  While it remains to be seen how long they'll be in, they haven't gone away yet, and I'm now tempted.  I know, I know - I'm late to the game.  I'm just glad that the current issue of InStyle, which is my favorite magazine, featured the long-pants version of rompers in its regular "The Look" section.  I prefer the short ones, and they would look so cute with fall pieces like tights, boyfriend cardigans, flats, and knit hats.  Specifically, I think this Urban Outfitters one is cute:

I'll keep you updated on whether I cave and buy one.

Moving on: I know moccasin boots have been in for a while, and I did not like them at first.  But since taking up residence in Boulder, my style has adapted slightly to the free-spirited environment.  Not to mention I'm always on the lookout for pieces that are cute yet comfy, since I walk everywhere on campus.  I'm still not a fan of knee-high moccasin boots, but I'm starting to really like the ankle versions.  They'd be great to transition into winter with wool socks, since it hardly ever snows here.  I think my color of choice would be either tan or taupe:

I just might have to get a pair of these.  Updates to follow.

Finally, I've found a "new" fashion blog I love.  A few years ago, one of my mom's coworkers brought me a copy of an issue of T, which is the New York Times's style magazine.  I loved it because of its high-end, mysterious, and almost aloof air, but I sort of forgot about it until a few days ago when I stumbled across T's blog.  It's a great all-encompassing style blog that's really inspiring.  Check it at http://www.nytimes.com/pages/t-magazine/.

Until next time, happy blogging!

Perfect Fall Outfit #1

Hello hello!

In case you haven't picked up on it yet, I'm super excited for fall. Especially in light of back-to-school, I can't help but start planning dream outfits for daytime.  I have a lot of items similar to the following outfit, but these particular pieces are so cute I hope to actually buy as many of them as possible eventually!  I do need more bags and boots, and I love, love, love lacy knee and thigh-high socks.

Fall 2011 Lookbook Gems

I'm so exhausted I feel like I'm about to pass out with my face on my keyboard, so this is going to be a quickie.  These are from Free People's pre-fall lookbook - I can never get enough of the chameleonic spirit of the company.  Also, as a side note, I love the model's strong eyebrows - so unexpectedly chic.

Not a huge fan of the leather shorts, but I totally dig the poncho and the juxtaposition between the tribal and tough-girl pieces.

I love cropped, boxy tops - so many possibilities for bottoms! This one looks light enough to transition easily from summer to fall by layering. I'm huge on layering to create depth. Needless to say, the colors are gorgeous too.

 

 

This would be a showstopper on a night out! I like the gunmetal-colored one better (shown on the product page). This is a real run-this-town dress.

Rachel Zoe has her new lookbook out, and there are some pieces I have the urge to run out and buy NOW (good thing it's 12:30 AM, or I just might).  The outfits are so chic, they speak for themselves.

 Photo Sources: Freepeople.com & The Huffington Post

Jewelry Box: Newest Additions

In addition to elegant, sophisticated, and classic, I love quirky jewelry because it's an effortless way to spice up a nonchalant outfit.  I'm especially partial to earrings, and recently I came across a few pairs I just couldn't live without.

A good friend of mine spent some time in Japan, and got me interested Japanese fashion.  These Harajuku Lovers earrings are so charming, I had to have them.  I found them at Nordstrom Rack - that place is dangerous for me.

I found these at one of the booths at an art festival in Cherry Creek.  The guy makes really interesting jewelry out of recycled and natural materials.  I found this pair fascinating, and they remind me of fearlessly following your dreams because they sort of look like little compasses.  Also, there's the thrill of knowing that no one else has a pair exactly like them.  I can't remember the artist's name, but I have his business card somewhere...his stuff would make really unique gifts!

On My Radar: Late Summer/Early Fall 2011

 Maybe I'm getting a bit ahead of myself, but autumn is my favorite season other than winter, and I can never wait to shop for new fall clothes.  Whether seen on the streets and envied, already in my closet but I just can't have too many, or a new obsession, these are the top items I can't wait to flaunt for the rest of the summer and into fall.

1. THE BODYCON SKIRT

Urban Outfitters

So versatile and flattering - I can't get enough of the curve-hugging silhouette.  As cute with a cozy, chunky sweater as with a slinky tank top or slouchy t-shirt, it's one of my favorite summer-to-fall transition pieces.

2. THE CHUNKY SWEATER

bluefly.com

Fall is my favorite season, and cozy oversize knits bring to mind crunching through fallen leaves and the smoky smell that's always in the air.  I have an oversize cable-knit crewneck that I love, but the weight of this one leaves freedom for layering.  Also, the cut wakes up any outfit - skirts, jeans, or leggings.

3. BOHO ACCESSORIES

pinkmascara.com

The perfect accessories for creating a carefree, effortless vibe.  Since it's not my style to go head-to-toe Woodstock, I'll pair feathered earrings, necklaces, and headbands with edgier pieces like skinny jeans, bodycon skirts (another favorite), or pumps.  I think it would create a really cool "West Side bohemian with money" look.

4. ROMANTIC VINTAGE DETAILS

For the reckless dreamer who believes in fairytale endings.  I love accessories like cameo pendants because they can be used to bring a touch of vintage charm to a casual outfit or to complete a vibe of ethereal romance.  Other details I love are ruffles, lace, and soft colors like pink and cream.  I actually have an antique cameo pendant that belonged to my grandmother, and I think it might be real ivory.  I've been meaning to get it re-set in gold and get a long chain for it.

5. THE RIDING BOOT

A little softer than tough-girl motorcycle boots, this classic style still lends conviction to any outfit.  They blend as seamlessly with ultra-feminine skirts and dresses as with chunky knits, crisp blazers, and cardigans.  I love using boots to transition my slouchy t-shirts and miniskirts from summer to fall.  I'm especially partial to this style since I used to ride horses, and I love the timeless sophistication of the English riding dress.

6. THE ARTFUL PUMP

Urban Outfitters

A creatively-shaped heel turns the classic shoe into a work of art.  I'm lusting after a velvet pair in a rich jewel tone, but I have yet to find the perfect ones.  But I'll never say no to suede.  A straight chunky heel would be cute, too.  I already have a pair with similarly-shaped heels in patent leather with peep toes, but the last time I checked, there was no such thing as too many pairs of high heels.

7. THE BOLD T-SHIRT

Urban Outfitters

Whether topped with a "Don't mess with me" saying like this one, a favorite rocker, or a gritty urban graphic, girlie girls need not apply.  Used to toughen any outfit and send the message that the wearer is unapologetically streetwise.  I love the slouchy cut of this particular tee, and the "ALCOHOL CAFFEINE NICOTINE" saying would be perfect for rough days, but since I don't really smoke or drink, I'm not sure if wearing it would be lame false advertising on my part.  Personally, I would love a shirt with Bob Dylan on it, since he's one of my major artistic influences.  I also love t-shirts and tank tops with softer, artful watercolor prints and the like, but I consider them a separate category.

Did I Mention I Like to Shoot in Weird Places?

There are these tunnels on the edges of campus that bike paths run through, and the light filters through them in such a cool way that I just had to get some shots in one of them.  I love the black-and-white effects on some of the shots!  The skirt was kind of impractical for a lot of movement, but then I've never prided myself on being practical.

Perfect Summer Day Outfit

I'm loving bohemian accessories for late summer and early fall.  I can't get enough of the bodycon skirt/slouchy tee silhouette, and gladiator sandals are the ballet flats of summer for me - they go with everything!  Maybe I'm a little behind on the boho trend, but hey, I live in Boulder - I feel like that sort of vibe never goes out here.

The Fashion Buzz: 2.0

I finally have time to devote to my blog now that I'm finished with classes for the rest of the summer.  I found a photographer who is helping me out, so that will be a major part of my blog from now on!  I'm so excited to revamp it and really get it going.

This outfit was inspired by a friend of mine.  She was wearing a similar outfit and riding an old cruiser bike on campus.  She looked incredibly hipster and fresh, but still casual and effortless.  I love sweaters and leggings, and the sneakers my friend was wearing looked so cute that she made me want some, and I've never been a huge sneaker person.  The CU Boulder campus is so gorgeous, I just had have some shots taken on it.  I had so much fun climbing on the staircase!  I wish I had a pink sparkly cruiser bike, but oh well.

Sweater: Anthropologie. Sneakers: Urban Outfitters. Flower: The Icing.

This photograph doesn't showcase the outfit as well, but my new photographer put such a cool effect on it that I had to put it up.

Shout-out to my awesome new photographer Brian Wolf for his awesome camera work!