Winter 2011-12

  As the earth turns from deep orange to chilling white, we again turn to our wardrobes so we can adapt to the new season, as well as incorporate a new trend or two.

 This winter, fashion has reached back into the past to firmly grasp prominent 70s trends and pulled them firmly to the present.  The 70s were full of saturated color, rich textures, and laid-back sillouettes.

  Some key colors in this new season are rust, yellow ochre, magenta, warm red, and teal.  Note that all these colors are decidedly rich (as opposed to  "barely colors" like ice blue or powder pink).  Dote on yourself in jewel tones; warm yourself with color this winter!

  Winter 2011-12 is a season of texture exploration.  Step out of your comfort zone and into corduroy trousers, crocheted vests, chiffon blouses, and accordion skirts.  If you're really feeling adventurous, spring for something sequin-laden for some blatant shine!

  As for silhouettes, think classic 70s looks.  Here is one look to get you started: a loose top paired with exuberantly flared pants (perhaps in rust orange) and army boots.  Accessorize with a crocheted vest and a set of aviator sunglasses.  There's no mistaking where you're getting your inspiration from.

  This winter as you reluctantly bundle up, resist the pull of laziness regarding what you wear beneath that heavy jacket.  Whether rain or snow, now is the perfect time for a fashionable you.

Defining Your Style

  Do you ever feel as if you are a tad lost when it comes to putting together creative outfits, for fear you will look as if you are "dressing out of your league" or "trying too hard?"  If someone were to ask you what your style is like, would you be able to define it in two or three words, none of which being "nice," "kind of," or "girly?"

Delicate Romantic.  Boho Bold.  Aloof Parisian.  Fashion Forward.  Rocker Fierce.  Free Spirit.  Ultra Femme.  Classic European.  Vintage Chic.

  Defining your style can help you to feel confident in your unique way of dressing and to be more creative in outfit choice.  Giving yourself even a general "label" of sorts can reveal your own boundaries and allow you to experiment on your more confident days.

Step One.
  Pick three outfits from your wardrobe.  These outfits should be complete with jewelry, belt, or whatever else is required.  Be willing to explore all your options, do not just grab whatever necklace you have been wearing lately!  Do not bother trying to create a context for these outfits (a "who to wear this with" or "where to wear").
  The first outfit should be a tried and true set that you feel confident and attractive in.
  The second, an everyday sort of outfit that you pick out on your more lazy days.
  Lastly, the third outfit should be completely new: an assemblage you have never worn before. It can be something you've put together in your mind before but have never worn, or have been nervous about wearing.

Step Two.
  Grab a notebook and make three categories for Outfit A, Outfit B, and Outfit C.  Now, start with Outfit A and list off the words that come to your head as you look at it.  Be willing to work a little: try to list off five or six, and use a thesaurus if need be! Do this for each outfit.  Using words more than once is definately allowed!
 
Step Three.
  Look at all those words! Go ahead and draw lines between similar adjectives. Make a fourth list then with those similar words.

Step Four.

  Lastly, get a second (or third and fourth!) opinion.  Phone a friend or two and ask how they would define your style! Keep an eye on your fourth list and note if you hear them suggest any of the words you have already documented.

Step Five.

  You should have a pretty good idea of your individual style now!  In two or three words, create a definition for yourself.  You can borrow a word or two from my list above, but try to stick to the words from your fourth list.

A Few Further Exercises...

  Take pictures of your outfits and create a lookbook folder for yourself on your computer (or print them out and actually make a lookbook).

  Wear your more creative outfits when you are out with the girls.  They already love you.

  Never be afraid to experiment.  Your style definition is maleable and will change as you do!

Please post your results!

Building Up Your Basics

     Along with the end of summer--the sad goodbye to strappy tanks, shorts, and sunglasses and the reluctant greeting towards chilly weather-- comes the need for some serious wardrobe evaluation.  You know what I mean; you want to continue feeling summer warm and are hesitant to jump into itchy sweaters just yet.  However, before you go on a frantic shopping spree and buy anything crazy, create a plan.  You need to make sure your foundation is sound before you build up your wardrobe!

     Before you head out the door, pull .out your basics.  What are basics, exactly?  Basics are un-embellished tanks and tees, camis, dark jeans.  Lay them out and take a good, long look.  Do you have an array of neutral colors in your tanks, tees, and camis?  Do you even have a pair of professional-looking jeans?

     Because layering is so important during the winter for warmth (and the cuteness factor), you need tanks and camis in several neutal tones.  Every outfit has a foundational color, typically either black, brown, white, or navy, and this is determined by your top (or pants, if you like brightly colored or patterned trousers).  Think of the neutral tone the back drop behind your family picture.  It simply flatters.  Match your makeup to your neutral tone for simplicity and sophistication.  Once you, have tanks and camis in black, brown, white, and navy, you can branch out into more neutrals tones like olive, dusty rose, cream, and nude.

     Basic tees are so vital as the chilly weather sets in because they are an easy, go-to top.  Basic tees are like comfort food (or even Ugg boots)-- familiar and simple.  Again, look for them in neutral tones, and add some of your favorite colors in at your leisure.  Also, basic tees are easily paired with a patterned scarf or mittens!

     Dark jeans are a must for any woman.  Dark washes are always more flattering than light washes.  A simple bootcut pair can be worn with nearly every cut of top, and to a huge variety of locations: a buisness-casual workplace, classes, church, on a date... you name it.

      One you know you have these necessities within your closet, shop and smile, knowing you won't be caught saying the next day, "But what do I wear with it?!"

  

Fine Art

    
You are an artist.
     Fashion is your medium; your body is your canvas.
    
     You have an personal style that those around you can recognize easily.  That style influences your choices, combinations, and uses of color, line, shape, and texture.  That style influences which necklace you pair with a date dress, or the cut of the blouse you choose to tuck (or refrain from tucking) into your skirt as you head to work.  You are driven towards your idea of beauty-- towards creating that perfect combination, your masterpiece.

      You are an artist.
      Let your creativity explore itself.  Step out of your comfort  zone towards beauty instead of staying within the familiar.  Few  things easily achieved are truly worth achieving.

Autumn 2011

     The seasons are changing once again, driving women to their closets to assess their readiness for the coming weather, and quickly henceforth to their favorite retailers to fill in the clothing gaps.  In the spirit of "back to school," whether they are students or not, autumn is the perfect time to tap into the atmosphere of new beginnings and reassess fashion's direction as well as personal style.
    
     This quickly approaching autumn, fashion is falling hard for laid-back, earthy, boho-chic looks with a neutral, 70's-inspired color pallete.  Fashion is in the mood for delving deeper into the art of texture-mixing, a trend started this past summer.


     If you're in the mood for some wardrobe-reinventing, some key pieces this autumn are dolman tops, cozy striped sweaters, and patterned scarves.  Combine or simply purchase these three pieces with 70's tones such as olive green, peach, skin tone, white, cream, navy, dusty rose, or gray.


     Some of the easiest ways to adapt this autumn is accessorization.  It will be hard to over-accessorize this season!  Explore footwear-- menswear-esque shoes, oxfords, and vintage, suede ankle-boots are the upcoming "it" shoes. Resist the urge to be matchy-matchy; try a Native American-inspired piece (hair accessory or earrings) and an animal-pendant necklace.


     Try adding a touch of turqoise to stand out from the neutral colors.  Spring for bright eyeshadow or a turqoise stone bracelet.  The color is refreshing in light of the coming winter months!


     Good luck, and don't shy away from taking a fashion-risk!

Trend Alert: The Maxi

               Well, fashionistas, a wonderful trend has resurrected itself from 2009—the maxi dress!  If you’re anything like me, you kept your floor-grazing pieces in your closet even as the trend died off in 2010, hoping that you’d get another chance to feel so feminine again. 

               Or, if you’re newer to being in touch with fashion, maxi dresses are available all over the place!  I found a wonderful selection at Forever 21.com, the same store from which I purchased my first maxi dress.

$19.80

$26.90

$29.90

$24.80

SALE $10.00



              This is a Summer 2011 trend I would definately recommend participating in.  There is a huge variety in maxi dresses: babydoll, straight, and cinched waist cuts, and floral, tribal, and geometric patterns.  There is no way you can't find one you'll love!
             Wearing the maxi dress is a perfect way to feel feminine. There is nothing quite like the swish of soft fabric caressing your calves and kissing your ankles all day. <3

Summer 2011.

               Most of us add to our wardrobe in order to stave off the inevitable “I have nothing to wear!” mornings. What girl wants to open her wardrobe only to discover same, same, same? Face it, fashionistas, we love the luxury of options!  Wonderfully, the fashion of summer 2011 is all about options.  Each of the plethora of emerging trends can all be traced back to one of three eras: the 20s, the 50s, or the 70s, the latter being the most prevalent this season.

The 20s inspired look.

               Only hints of this look have entered the fashion world lately, but they are there none the less!  The drop-waist or waistless silhouette is common in many dresses this season. Don’t be afraid to forgo the waist-defining elastic belt every once in a while; allow the fabric to flatter you! Also, try incorporating (or embellishing some pieces you already have) with sweet bows (tied to your hat, pinned to your dress etc.), as well as some long, body-elongating necklesses.

The 50s inspired look.

               Like the 20s inspired trends, the 50s looks tend to appear in dressy clothing.  The classic  50s look, the housewife dress (trim bodice with a full skirt), is stepping into the spotlight again.  The sweet, feminine look can be achieved via dress or with a fitted top (sleeveless or sweater), wide belt, and a very full, mid-calf length skirt.  Polka dot pattern is becoming a more common in tops and dresses also.  So indulge your inner soda-shop frequenting girl and slip into a classic look from this era.  I recommend Lauren Conrad's "Ciao Bella" Collection for 50s inspired dresses.

The 70s inspired look.

               This option will give you the most wiggle room within the wardrobe you already have.  Experiment with patterns; nautical stripes in vibrant colors (such as cobalt blue, electric pink, eye-grabbing orange, or lush green) and floral patterns with a punch, to name a few.  Experiment with your silhouette; you can try baby doll, high waist, or waistless silhouettes.  Experiment with textures; keep wearing your frilly tops of the last couple seasons, and mix lace and chiffon and cotton and jean without fear.  70s is about overdoing it a little bit!

               The 70s look can go two ways—either boho or Charlie’s Angel fierce.  For an example of a boho look, think a patterned chiffon and lace top in a baby doll cut paired with wide-leg jeans and some flatforms (platforms without a heel).  A fierce 70s vibe can be created with, for instance, a brightly-colored striped blouse tucked into high-waisted black pants, adding some sleek platforms to finish the look.  If you’re brave, you can try a black jumpsuit with a wide belt.

               For those of you more practical fashionistas who would like just a few elements of summer fashion (top trends) to incorporate into your wardrobe, I’ll throw a few at you:

1.      Nautical  Stripes, Polka Dots, and Florals

2.      Pops of Color (shoes, hair accessory, necklace, lipstick, etc.)

3.      Texture (lace, crochet, chiffon, etc.)

4.      Unexpected Combos (mixing patterns, colors, and textures)

5.      Platforms or Flatforms

Don’t be afraid to be bold this summer. <3