Fall-Winter 2012

     Once again, a most beautiful transition has come upon us.  The leaves are slowly changing to brilliant shades of orange and red; as you breathe inwards, you can catch whiffs of nostalgia ...bales of hay, homemade apple cider, leaf raking, and bright pumpkins.

     Though the weather may change easily, the wardrobe transition that comes with the change in season is often more difficult.  We must regretfully pack away our arm-bearing, light-weight tops in exchange for a puffy winter coat, all the while promising ourselves that we will live more fully next summer as the impending doom of a cold winter looms in the distance.

    The focus has shifted from bold, punchy colors of the former months to the interplay of texture and sillouette.  Experiment with the lines of your body and investigate unusual fabrics (the issue of breathe-ablility is no longer a major one; it has fled with the heat of summer).

    If you are a loss, I have a few suggestions!  A common (and simple) sillouette is a billowing top paired with skinnies.  This particular pairing is about balance.  For an office-appropriate ensemble, try a boxy knit over a collared top, completed by a straight-leg/skinny pant or fitted skirt.  For a more avant garde experiment, try a peplum top or skirt, or a horizontally striped dress with diagonally striped side panels (same idea as color blocking --cutting an ideal figure with an optical illusion), or a floor length maxi-skirt with a billowing top, cinched in by a wide belt.

     Remember not to over-accessorize this season.  With such a heavy emphasis on sillouette and texture, statement jewelry goes unneeded.  I'd reccommend reaching for simple stud earrings and simple chains if your outfit requires jewelry at all!

     Allow your creativity to run rampant as you choose your looks these next several months.  The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

Trend Alert: Backpacks

     A  new trend is on the rise --the usage of backpacks as handbags by women.  Typically of the smaller variety, backpacks take the strain off the neck of the well-worn fashionista accustomed to heavy, but adorable, traditional handbags.  These packs can be spotted in an assortment of styles and prints at department stores.  I discovered mine at Target for $30 last winter (avante garde? yes.).

   What is the origin of this trend?   Perhaps with the lengthening of time lived as a student (5 or 6 years spent towards a BA, those returning to school to change career paths. etc.) has brought out the practicality among my peers.   These trendy backpacks are typically worn by those between the ages of 15 and 25.  I have no doubt that the "hipster movement" had some influence on the bringing about of this trend also.

    I experimented with this trend myself.  I replaced my usual one-shoulder bag with my owl backpack for a trip to the mall, and discovered that not only did my shoulders feel wonderful, but the wearing of such a bag recaptures the youthful spirit in me.  I felt light and free of burden as a child, ready to explore my environment with wide, sparkling eyes.

   I have decided to continue in this backpack-wearing venture for the time being.  Life is an adventure; why not face it as such?

Summer Wedding Guest Attire

     Summer is here, and lovebirds everywhere are happily tying the knot.  You have probably been invited to atleast one ceremony.  Many experienced fashionistas who can dress for a given event in a snap still balk at the thought of dressing for a wedding.  Never fear, you have come to the right place!

     Style.  First of all, even if it is a casual wedding, always dress up.  Jeans are never acceptable; if leg hiding is mandatory, wear black or gray slacks with a nice blouse.  A wedding is a perfect place to not only dress up more than usual, but also complement the bride with your wardrobe decisions.  If you are to attend a black-tie wedding, lucky you!  This is another chance at prom-style wear.  Just choose something classy, not loud.  Think Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn.  if you are not sure what type of wedding you are to attend, check out your invitation. If the script is flowing and the paper fine, it is a fairly formal ceremony.  However, the invitation cheekily asks you to come the the couple "get hitched," you have a sundress-worthy wedding to attend.

     Color.  The number one rule in dressing for a wedding is this: do NOT wear white.  White is the bride's color, and it is disrespectful to steal any attention on her day.  If you are choosing a solid colored dress, avoid creme also. (Side note- both white and creme can be worn if contained in a pattern)  Find out ahead of time what the wedding colors are; you don't want to be mistaken for a member of the wedding party!  Red is sticky; in wedding context, red has an adulturous vibe.  Don red in a pattern to avoid this issue.  Black can be worn if complimented with bright accessories, such as a belt and earrings in pink.  Yellow, according to studies, encourages optimism, which would be very appropriate, considering the atmosphere.  Cheery shades of blue, warm greens, bright or muted pinks, or this summer's color, orange, are also good choices.
     Also, if you are attending a cultural wedding (i.e. Indian, Jewish, Japanese, etc.), it would be wise to speak to the bride directly about attire.  Color meaning varies from culture to culture. For instance, in Japanese culture, the bride wears red. 

     Cut.  Avoid wearing a floor-length dress unless the wedding specifically is black-tie.  The bride's day is not your day to try out the maxi you have been dying to wear.  Also avoid wearing anything extremely short.  Knee-length, up to three-inches above the knee, or a more conservative mullet-hem dress can be worn without crossing any lines.  Reject frocks that are low-cut or unnecessarily tight.  Anything attention-stealing is off-limits.

Here are a few of my summer wedding looks. What do you think?

Look #1:

Lauren Conrad dress, Gordman's shrug, Mudd gladiator flats, and handmade necklace.

I think this ensemble is both romantic and good-natured.

Look #2:

"Color Me Red" dress, Mudd gladiator flats, and handmade earrings.

The yellow promotes well-wishes for the new couple and adds to the spirit of optimism.

Look #3:

BCBG dress, Vera Wang cardigan, TJ Maxx belt, and  Dressbarn heels.

I realize I'm mixing two "iffy" colors, but I feel they offset eachother in tandem. The brown breaks up the two colors and provides continuity with the brown wedges.









     Remember that your purpose in attending a wedding ceremony is to complement and support the couple not only with your presence, but also with your attire. Avoid choosing something iffy; do you want to spend the day worrying about others' opinions, or celebrating marriage?


Thanks to Jessica L. for her photography skills!

Summer 2012

      One of the things I love most about fashion is this: fashion is ever-changing.  It ebbs and flows like the ocean; fashion refuses to grow stagnant or tepid.

     Summer fashion flowed easily from spring this year.  The naive pastel shades of spring have matured into bolder, brighter candy shades.  The overriding theme seems to be youthful confidence  expressed with bright, punchy color.

     Key colors this season are yellow and orange.  You have plenty of wiggle room within  these shades; wear the ones that flatter you.  Always feel free to shape these colors to better fit you!  Check to see how the color effects your skin tone, especially if you are wearing it close to your face.  For instance, being a spring, I can wear salmon and tangerine oranges and marigold yellow by my face.  I have to reject yellow ochre, darker shades of orange, and pastels in either shade.  Always remember to shape trends to fit you, not vice versa!

      Sillouettes this season are all about clean and easy lines.  These crisp lines are created with color blocking and tailored cuts.  Stay away from overly-tight tops, not only for modesty but for a clean line that doesn't cling where it shouldn't.

     There has been a rising popularity in synthetic fabrics.  Who can deny the femininity of a flowing, simple chiffon or silk tee?  As temperatures rise, be wary of wearing such synthetic pieces for prolonged periods outside.  Cotton and poly-cotton blends breathe more easily and are more confortable on long summer days.  Femininity does not involve being drenched in sweat.

     As for accessories, bright wedge heels are growing in popularity.  As they are an easy way to add a pop of color to any outfit, every girl should own a pair or two.  For flat shoe days, opt for a pair of canvas slip-ons.  In terms of jewelry and belts, evaluate first how much color you are wearing.  If you are feeling confident, go for complete color saturation, but if you're feeling shy, stick to neutral accessories.

     This season, allow your inner artist to express herself.  Dressing is an art.

Be an Icon.

     Imagine yourself walking down the streets of New York on a summer afternoon.  What are you wearing?

     There are multiple facets to your wardrobe (or there should be! If not, refer to 2011 articles "Building Up your Basics" and "Shopping 101").  First, of course, are the basics --easy, trusty tees in neutral tones, camisoles for coverage,
and worn-in jeans.  Then, there are your tried and true outfits that you return to no matter how you are feeling.  Lastly, are your edgier, or iconic pieces.  You turn to these when you are your best self; when you imagine yourself strutting around the fashion capitol of the world, you envision youself in these particular threads.

     What are your iconic pieces --a pair of killer stillettos, a flattering wrap skirt with a studded waistline (like the one I found at Scout today), a little black dress with lace embellishments?

     Fashionistas of the past have their iconic pieces.  In fact, these pieces only furthered their fame.  For instance, Audrey Hepburn's black boat-necked evening gown of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" or Marilyn Monroe's fabulous white halter dress immortalized by Garry Winogrand.  When both these ladies come to mind, they are likely wearing these garments.

     Lately, I have focused my attention on bulking up the third facet of my wardrobe. My latest find happens to be a fantastic pair of red skinnies.  They are unexpected enough to draw the eye, and sweet enough to derive a smile.

     What will you add to your wardrobe for those days when you are compelled to make your outfit a masterpiece?

     Don't wear something that is "good enough."  Be an icon.

Spring 2012

     This spring, fashion has come to a fork in the road.  It is pulled in two opposite directions --one bright, colorful, and futuristic, and the other, glamorous, feminine, and demure.
     You may choose one road or the other, or alternately stride confidently down both depending on your mood.

Bold and Bright.
     If you choose this direction, keep the phrase "splash of neon" in the forefront of your mind.  This trend is heavily influenced by loud 80s fashions.  Add a pop of color to any of your favorite outfits you have previously put together.  If you're in the mood for something new, try palazzo pants or a dress boldy combining two similar prints within itself.

     Within this region of spring 2012 fashion brightly colored pants of the 80s have resurfaced from 2008!  If you're bold and unafraid, consider bright orange or red; if you're a little less brazen, try purple, evergreen, or cobalt blue (or, if you're lucky like me, you still have your pair from 2008...).

     There is a simple way to incorporate the neon trend into your wardrobe quickly and easily --it's all in the accessories. Option one: a pair of shoes!  Choose a bright flat or a heel, depending on your preference.  These can be worn with a more "passive" outfit to give a creative pop to your combination.  Experiment also with chunky bangles, headbands, and bright sunglasses.

Demure Glamour.
     Channel your inner 50s girl and indulge in traditional 50s sillouettes by pairing fitted tops with full skirts or boxy jackets with cigarette pants.  Experiment with texture in bold frills, open knit sweaters, and bold florals.

     The key colors this season within this section of fashion are sweet sorbet shades such as lemon yellow, peach, soft lime green, and orange candy.  Be unafraid: try these colors on your lower half as well as your upper half!  Skinny jeans and maxi skirts are both viable options.

     Another trend to try is sheer layering.  For something more conservative, try a lace top over a tank; for something more extroverted, slip into some shorts and pair them with a pair of sheer pants or maxi skirt.  This look is surprisingly "summer comfortable" and feminine.

     Choose a path or sit on the fence this season.  Either way, explore your choices thoroughly. :)

Trend Alert: The Maxi-Cardi

  A new trend has awakened in the fashion world, and this one is not only feminine, but also comfortable.

  Maxi-cardi, the offspring of the maxi-dresses of last summer, are appearing wherever your  favorite threads are sold.  These pieces are available in a variety of sweater and knit materials, a variety of cuts, as well as a variety of lengths.

This piece by Mudd, made in a light-wight cardigan sweater material, drapes beautifully to mid-calf length.  In fashionable stripes of either gray and white or beige and white combinations. It is available at Kohls.com for $60 orig. (price subject to sales).

This piece by Worthington, available at JCP.com, as a touch dramatic with its faux fur flyaway edge.  It is constructed of a cotton, rayon, and nylon mix for premium softness. At mid-thigh length, it is as practical as it is fashionable.  It sells for $48 orig. (price subject to sales).

This pretty piece by Lauren Conrad is the perfect combination of femininity and comfort!  Available in black or creme, this soft and light (yet surprisingly warm) sweater falls to a mid- to 3/4-thigh length.  Nip in your waist with the tie, or let it hang loose in flyaway style. Available at Kohls.com for  $72 orig. (price subject to sales).

  Go ahead, cuddle up to a comfy, yet feminine maxi-cardi.  How often is a trend this cuddly?

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