A Year and Some Change

In I Heart Your Style, a book about improving individual style, Amanda Brooks urges readers to reflect on their personal lives in order to understand their developments in style. Although skeptical of this exercise (I didn't see how my personal transitions effected my preferences in my wardrobe) I took the time to write down every prominent and compare them to my style at that time. In doing this I found that my fashion choices coincided with what was going on in my personal life. For instance, my sophomore year in high school was a time where I was "the new girl" in my group of friends, I wanted nothing more than to fit in and be accepted. During this time I chose to dress like my peers; which had me searching for the perfect pair of Hollister jeans and Uggs to complete my typical high school girl look. A similar turn of events came during the summer of my senior year. I wanted to look older, edgy even which is why I took this time period to shop at Urban Outfitters on the search for the chained and studded everything. Our personal goals and situations have a great effect on what we wear.

I bring this up because the New Year is fast approaching, what better way to express your new goals for the New Year than a couple of improvements in your wardrobe. For 2011 my main theme is fearlessness. My internal fashionista is yearning for sharp-shouldered long-sleeves, body-conscious skirts and dresses, and a killer pair of heels. But my delicate free-spirit personality finds comfort in my silk and chiffon fabrics, floaty tops, and embellished flats. This is most likely because at college I'm known as the "nice girl", the girl that will gladly do anything for her friends while not giving them crap about it. However, there's a wittier and more sarcastic side of me dying to get out in the form of sexy badass clothes. This year I'm making it a mission to meld these facets of my personality into one; in my wardrobe and personal life.

Rihanna is the perfect example of someone who transitions stylishly to coincide with her personal events. As she develops as a musician, Rihanna has continued to pleasantly surprise the public in her wardrobe and beauty choices.

Let me know how your goals for personal change in the New Year effect for your fashion choices!

New Beginnings

There are going to be moments in our lives when life just gets in the way. At the worst possible times, the duties and responsibilities of life rears its ugly head, getting in the way of our hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Life can swallow us whole when we delve into its’ unpleasant traits. Losing ourselves by stressing over the qualities of life that we cannot tame. Could I use the word “life” anymore? It’s extremely probable! The reason why I bring this topic up is because lately I’ve felt the weight of my responsibilities on my shoulders. In less than 6 hours I will be on the road to southern California where I will start the first day of my sophomore year in college. I’ve spent the entire week packing, re-packing, and shopping like a soccer mom with anger management issues. This is one of those moments where I feel as though I’ve never felt so stressed our in my life (which only of course adds to my stress). I give myself anxiety thinking of all the things I need to do, want to do, and cannot do. But in my experience I’ve learned that you can only be responsible for the things that you have control over. While I’d love to move my one hundred pound suitcase up three flights of stairs in 50s styled dress and patent leather pumps a la Elle Woods (HA!), I’ll settle for my v-neck, cut offs, and converse. The thought of opening my already-ready-to-combust-at-any-given-moment suitcase just gives me a panic attack in itself. Not to mention the fact that I would look a hot mess! The rest of my week is going to be hectic, high blood pressure inducing, and highly emotional. No amount of preparation could have prepared me for any of this. Sometimes when faced with life’s obligations sometimes the best thing you have to do is go with the flow. I’m excited to see where this week (and this year) will take me. I’m hoping that you guys will be patient as I cross this new bridge in my life.

Stated Beautifully

There's nothing that I love more than a good statement piece. A clothing item, accessory, or handbag that has so much personality you don't need to utter a word for people to get to a sense of who you are. I am constantly on the search for bold necklaces to add a hint of excitement and mystery to my wardrobe. So you can imagine how giddy I was when I found this brass fringe necklace at Macy's, a deep emerald piece at Forever 21, and a fuzzy leopard print skinny belt at Urban Outfitters. Just as Olivia Palermo states, these pieces deserve an outfit to showcase and celebrate them. I can't wait to pair these green-based hues with violet pieces, vibrant pinks, and cobalt blues (where I feel they will most stand out) and the leopard print belt with basically anything and everything. However for now, I will just admire these items as they hang in my accessories holder.

I love how quirky and fun the stripes are on the bead part of the necklace! It really makes the necklace stand out!

Watching the latest episode of 90210 (yes I do indulge in soap opera-like teen television) I noticed something familiar dangling from Silver's neck. Could it be? Yes people I think Silver and I share an accessory! I love how the costume designer for the show put together this look, it's very edgy and yet chic. I'll definitely use this picture for inspiration when looking for an outfit worthy of this piece.

A Colorful Approach to Organization

While I appreciate the relaxing nature of summertime, there's nothing like a crisp fall breeze to get someone in the mood for change. Autumn beckons it's recipients to prepare themselves for this seasonal transition with strategic shopping and organization. There are several ways to get ready for fall, be it shopping for knitted sweaters and boots or buying more canned soups to warm yourself amidst the cold weather. However, in my case, it is to retrieve necessary supplies for my suite on campus and the start of classes this September. There's nothing I love more than scouring Target's and Office Max's alike for bright folders (that I later customize), notebooks, and pens to make my school work looking vibrant. As mundane as homework can sometimes be, nothing perks up my attitude than organized notes accented with shades of vibrant pinks, sunset oranges, and ocean blues. Color coding my notes not only makes my work look better but also gains me recognition from my professors. Not every student does classwork in a forest green pen, so it is a sure way to stand out (in a good way). These items add a vivaciousness to an otherwise tense environment and brighten a room. Organization is key during transitional periods, but never boring with a little bit of color.

(Pictured: Personally customized folders/binders with matching notebooks; Billabong backpack, VS PINK laptop case, turquoise folder; violet duvet cover, folder organizer, purple corkboards, and purple decorative pillow; a page in my UChic planner )

50 is Pretty Nifty

Guess what guys? This is my 50th post! I'm beyond excited in my accomplishments with this blog and hope to accomplish many more. I'm so blessed to have all you readers in my life and thought I'd celebrate this 50th post by showing off my latest purchases. It's horrible that I shop so much but yet it's so thrilling! I've already packed away all of my purchases so that I can wear them when classes start (in two weeks!). Let me know what you guys think of my purchases or if you have any tips on what to wear them with. I love new ideas! Here's to 50 more posts! Enjoy guys :)

Kensie Motorcycle Jacket & Truly Madly Deeply Scoop Neck: I found these two treasures at a Ross store. I love finding things at consignment shops because you can staple items that are perfect for any season for cheap. I'm in love with the broad collar this jacket has.

Lush Seagreen Silk Top & Aziz Lace Top: I have been on the prowl for a silk top for awhile and was thoroughly satisfied when I went into Nordstrom Rack to try this on. It was billowy in all the right places and yet polished. Similar to the fit of the silk top, this lace number was different from the other lace T's that I have been seeing. This top has a slightly baggy fit to it which I'm excited to wear over dresses, tucked into skirts, and worn over jeans with nothing underneath.

Lush Silk Top (close up): Contrary to my sister's opinion (who preferred the gold) I think that silvers really bring this dark color to life. I love how these silver rings with turquoise accents gives this shirt a pop. I'm currently on the look for sparkly silver brooch to adorn the pocket on my new love.

Tank top Dress, Free People off-the-shoulder longsleeve, Roxy printed top: There is hope for me yet. When I was shopping I tried my best to remember my goal of trying to mix more color into my life, (stated here), and bought some printed pieces. My favorite is the one on the Free People top because I feel that it's perfect for fall.

Roxy Top (close up): I'm loving the buttons on the back of this graphic top. I can't to rock this ruffled number with cropped skinny jeans, metallic gladiators, and a cozy grandpa sized sweater.

FP Top (close up): What doesn't belong in this picture? I'll give you a hint, it's the Ross tag. I can't believe I scored this top for only $11 when it used to be $68. I'm beyond excited to wear this in the fall with dark jeans, beanies, and some clunky brown boots.

Going the Distance

Yesterday I went the distance (haha!) and finally saw this romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. The movie revolves around a couple trying to make their bi-coastal relationship work despite the problems that arise from being apart. Meeting in New York, where Erin (Barrymore) interned for a newspaper, Garret (Long) fell for this journalist despite knowing she would have to return to her home in San Francisco. While I wasn't completely captivated with the storyline of this movie, although the dialogue was entertaining, I was swooning over Barrymore's wardrobe. Outfit after outfit, Barrymore's character harmoniously incorporated looks from the two diverse areas. From the romantic silk tops to her boyfriend jeans, paired with rugged boots and an oversized leather purse as well as bohemian-inspired necklaces; Erin could have easily been mistaken for a frequent jet setter. While I wish I could show you my every outfit, this you will have to see for yourself. Watch the trailer below and let me know if you agree!

Fashion Victim vs Trendsetter

Looking through my September issues from previous years; I realized that the crazy, funny, overwhelming, and insane thing about fashion and trends is that everything is in fashion and nothing is in fashion. A person can spend their days calculating meticulously how to be considered fashionable but never really develop a true sense of style. I'm sure we've all struggled with whether to make a clothing purchase or not at some point in our lives, the question of whether it was fashionable, weird, or even outdated brewing in our heads. Raking our brains of every style tip or knowledge that we have acquired to rationalize our purchase. The irony of that is is that at times what magazines deem as last season can be the hottest trend for the next season. For example, this past spring's denim on denim look. For the longest time I had followed societies unwritten rule about not mismatching denim in order to prevent myself from looking like a confused cowboy. However, it's apparent that this look can be chic and daring. Like the fabulous Heidi Klum says, "One day you're in, the next you're out." This year it was auf wiedersehen to 80s silhouettes, colors, and accessories and helloooo to 90s minimalism. So what happens when your favorite (but now deemed outdated) trend is caught in fashion's crossfires? In my opinion, you wear what you like and don't let anybody or magazine tell you differently. It's the girls who follow the beat of their own drummer who are viewed as trendsetters rather than victims. I celebrate the inspiring few who are not slaves to fashion but rather cultivate it by their personal style in hopes that these mavericks will inspire my sense of style as well.

Agyness Deyn: This model can rock any style on and off the runway. Sexy in an understated way, Deyn's style is a mash up of loud British rock and roll, menswear, and girly spunk.

Alexa Chung: Whenever I see a photo of the ever fabulous Ms. Chung, Urban Outfitters immediately comes to mind. She's mastered the art of looking good with out trying to a t (which I associate with UO). I love how you would never know whether she spent a whole day figuring out what to wear or just five minutes.

Diane Kruger: This german beauty owns the red carpet, graces fashion shows, and parades sidewalks in nothing less than pieces sure to grab your attention. She's never afraid to try new things despite whether or not they will end up on "Worst Dressed" lists.

Rachel Zoe: Rachel Zoe leads a life full of drama, both in her personal life and her in closet. She always embraces colors, volume, and different textures and is always true to her 70s aesthetic.

Rachel Bilson: Based on her role as Summer on the O.C. I never expected much style-wise from Bilson. Summer's style was as bubbly and perky as her personality. However, in her personal life Bilson has shown that while she is the girl next door, she's got other facets to her personality and style as well.

Sienna Miller: Without Ms. Miller, I don't think the term boho chic will have ever been actualized. Sienna Miller is renown for the way she is able to take billowing bohemian styles and make them look current. However, I love Sienna in a more refined look. Sienna knows what clothes suit her body type and shape, which makes her overall appearance chic and put together.

Nicole Richie: I can't emphasize enough how astonishing this former reality TV show's fashion transformation is. From Von Dutch to House of Harlow, Richie's style exudes a perfect mixture of seventies hippie and California girl.

Le Freak C'est Chic.

Drew Barrymore looked absolutely stunning last week on the Late Show with David Letterman. I love how her stylist paired a crisp pair of trousers with that dazzling top, this definitely could be part of a J.Crew lookbook. The overall look was radiant and polished, a look that suits Barrymore very well.

Side Note: I have been experiencing a sort of "bloggers block" recently with what to post with my blog. I'm searching for any sort of inspiration or idea for my next posts. If you have any suggestions or think of anything you want to see here, let me know! Your ideas are always welcome :)

Skater Boi

I taught myself how to skateboard a couple years ago. While I would like to say my motivation for hours of learning how to balance on a board and skate were fro something honorable like dreaming of being a renown boarder, the real reason was my infatuation with Ryan Sheckler. During my high school years I was nothing short of obsessed with this blonde-haired blue-eyed beauty and I was tired of him dating bimbos that didn't really understand him. He needed a girl like me who understood the difficulties of being dedicated to the skater lifestyle and who would accept him in spite of that. Although my dreams of meeting Sheckler were never actualized, my love for skater lifestyle was. Skating is about freedom, community, and rebellion. It doesn't really matter where you come from or who you are, what matters is what you can do. Something we can all relate to and be inspired by.

Inspiration:

Out of Character

I am not so secretly obsessed with candid photos of celebrities. Not unlike stalking people on Facebook, I could spend hours upon hours going through photos of my favorite fashionistas strutting their stuff in their day to day lives (which is more satisfying than creeping on the pictures of the people you graduated with but never talked to). I love how undone these triple threats look in snapshots; sometimes a complete 180 from the characters they don come screen time. The perfect example would be Ashley Tisdale. Widely known as Sharpay Evans from High School Musical trifecta, this girl is no diva off screen (style wise). She doesn't mind rocking the same cowboy boots, prefers neutrals to hot pink, and saves the flash for her high top sneakers. It definitely pays to be out of character sometimes.