I'm busy, but not like "I can't post in my blog" busy.
Though we did have a tsunami sweep through my neighborhood (Flash-flood I guess would be the ... realistic term) and flood my whole damn house, which then almost burned to the ground from all of the electrical shit in my basement.
I saved my pets though which is the most importaint part.
Anywhooo
I want to talk today about using your fashion resources.
There are ways to make a very fashion foreward outfit, without having to spend thousands of dollars on designer labels, or travel out of your way to get to them.
Is this blasphemy?! A fashion blogger telling you NOT to wear designer label clothing?!
Nope, it's something I've had to do most of my life, since we only recently got any type of designer or "big name" stores in my city. (And it really IS a city, we're just in the middle of the country. It takes a long time for anything to reach us.)
We just got a Sephora for chrissakes. (BAD BAD BAD. I already have NO money, BUT I love you Sephora and how you drain me for the sake of beauty.)
I want to make this a series which I will update from time to time, so for today, I want to start with what most people consider their mortal enemy:
THE MALL.
*DOOM*
Okay. Seriously, the mall isn't THAT.....bad.
I worked there for years (on and off) at my first job from the time I was 15 until about 20, and being the observant young trendsetter that I was, I spent most of my breaks walking around the mall putting together copycat outfits in my head of Vogue editorial fashions compared to the storefront ensembles.
It really is do-able.
The KEY is to shop at two kinds of stores:
A) The store that carries the ESSENTIAL basics (E.G. The Gap, Express, The Limited, Abercrombie & Fitch, etc)
B) The store that carries the crazy "trends" (E.G. Forever 21 *my favorite because of the categoried rooms*, Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal etc)
Stay away from any stores that go by Teenage trends and high school/Middle school fads. (DEB, Vanity, Hot Topic, Old Navy)
You want to hit the College-age, Professional Young adult stores.
The big thing with Couture and High-Fashion, is that it can be crazy, young and fun, but generally, fashion has a high cohesive maturity to it. Fashion always goes back to "elegant, older."
But I also want to stress, you don't have to be decked out in couture to be fashionable. That's the beauty of fashion, you can tweak any look, and make it your own. My point of this thread in the series is to give a general guideline to not looking like an 80's Soccer Mom, or *shudder*having to fall back on that disgusting, sweatpants & Uggs, college dorm type style.
The last thing you want to do is LOOK like a girl walking around at the mall.
You want to pair your mature, professional basics with something fun and flashy. Something classic with something patterned.
And mixing patterns is VERY do-able.
Here is an example of an outfit that you can buy at the mall RIGHT NOW, and,well, NOT look like you are at the mall.
The wide-legged jean (Aka "Bellbottoms" in case you were a flower child like my mom) is making a HUGE comeback, and is my all time favorite denim trend. And the slightly destroyed wash makes the look a little more Rock & Roll, and a little less "casual jean Fridays" at the office. Pair this jean with sky high wedge platforms, and you are officially a supermodel. Helpful hint: when wearing this jean with tall wedges or platforms, make sure you wear them long. Try buying a longer inseam or jean than you would usually buy. Example: if you wear a size 4 short, try a size 4 regular. If you wear regular, buy a size long. If you are like me, and can't even find longs that have the right length, try going up a size and pair with a cute belt. It always looks best if the bottom of the jean is at least touching the bottom of the platform or is no more than half an inch shorter than the bottom of your shoe. High-waters will ALWAYS look bad. And a short heel with these jeans will swamp your legs.
Pairing a fitted top with a pop of color or a funky pattern will help with proportions, and will balance out the wideness of the jean, while adding a quirky, head turning element to your outfit.
Helpful Hint: If you are going to wear something a little more flowy with the jean, try a crop top with a fitted tank underneath. Anything too wide on top when worn with a full leg will tend to swamp your figure. The pop of color adds some fun to the look.
(Source: Forever 21 stores & Online)
When it gets cooler, there is nothing sexier than a motorcycle jacket.
Helpful hint: Wear a tailored, fitted leather jacket. Most motorcycle jackets are cut to be more flattering,slightly oversized isn't totally a BAD thing but you don't
want to look like My Dad and his Vietnam Vet buddies at a Patriot Guard get together.*I do love those Vets and the Patriot Guard, but you get my point.*
Finally, add a wedge platform (the higher the BETTER)
And some chunky jewelry.
Helpful Hint: Chunky Jewelry always is a nice compliment to a fun patterned top and a leather jacket. Feather earrings always look hot.
Of course, this was just a simple example with some general helpful hints and guidelines when looking for fit, style and how to pair different cuts and patterns.
But make each outfit your own! Have fun with it! Don't be afraid to show your own style. I know I'm not.
I have the side of my head shaved with racing stripes for shit's sake.
Until next time.
Love & Louboutins
Keely
Photo Credits and Sources
(Source: Express stores http://www.express.com/rerock-flare-leg-jean-light-wash-33453-24/refine/Leg+Shape/Flare/control/page/3/show/3/index.pro)
(Source: Forever 21 Stores http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=top%5Fcamis%5Ftanks&product%5Fid=2076841440&Page=3&pgcount=25)
(Source: Charlotte Russe Stores http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11294158&cp=4238904.4192333.4241189)
(Source: Charlotte Russe Stores http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11344198&cp=4241184.4192366.4241200 : http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11508513&cp=4241184.4192366.4241202 : http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11762953&cp=4241184.4192366.4241198)
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