Posts published during January, 2012

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01/31/2012

Buttons, Buttons Everywhere

So you have that collection of buttons that you don’t need and don’t know what to do with them, well here is a fun and easy way to turn buttons into fashion!

 

The Statement Ring

Materials: Buttons, Clippers, Glue, Rings With Flat Tops (available at the jewelry supply store)

Use your clippers to remove the shank from the back of the button.

 

Once you’ve made the back of the button flat, use an ample amount of glue to secure the ring to the back of the button.

Here’s another hint: If you can’t find a flat ring base, Ring Pops are a fun alternative. After you’ve removed the candy and cleaned the ring base,  grab your Kylon spray and paint it.

 

Once the base has dried, glue on the button.

There you have it, a fun and fast way to turn ordinary buttons into fashion!

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01/13/2012

Talents

Fashion is a world full of talent. (Duh).There are uber-talented designers who somehow think of collections of innovative clothing twice a year, every year.  There are talented models, who so beautifully wear the clothes down the runways and in magazine ads and editorials. You could even say that the sales girl who convinced you to buy the extra sweater that you didn’t really need is talented. Even as consumers, we put our own talents into the fashion world. Maybe one day you’ll be the next Diane Von Furstenberg, or maybe you’ll be a mom who styles her wardrobe exquisitely. This post is for everyone’s fashion talents that are not always recognized.

 

 

Replicating

 

I recreated this look and became my own version of Blair, but with purple tights and a less malicious personality

 

 

This is the piece of the talent umbrella which I happen to fall under. While others might say that I’m creative or original, I can never really take credit because I usually get inspiration from elsewhere. Replicators are the people who peer through a fashion magazine, find a look they love, and then recreate this look with items from their own wardrobe. You can get inspiration from anywhere: TV, magazines, websites like Pinterest or Fashionista. I’ve taken inspiration from celebrities at events and even Gossip Girl; I wore purple tights with a skirt, button down, and blazer in high school because I loved a similar look on Blair. Replication really is a talent, especially when it comes to nail designs and hair styles. Replicators are people who are good at DIY but with hair, makeup, nails, or clothing. Go thank your friends who are good at recreating different looks. You know who they are, because they’re the ones who do your hair and makeup all of the time.

 

Styling

 

Blair Eadie, whose blog is Atlantic-Pacific, is an exceptional stylist.

Some people, like two of my college roommates, have a keen eye for style. They know exactly what necklace will match your shirt and often have a load of accessories. The really good stylers are almost always put-together and look nearly perfect. These are the people you want with you when you’re getting dressed. They can easily tell you whether or not your should wear your hair up, if you should wear a statement necklace or statement earrings, and what shoes look best. I think most people have an innate sense of what looks good or bad, but there are certain people who have a gift. Their eyes can sense whether the balance is correct and they know immediately how to drastically change a look. Here’s to the girls who know when the aesthetic is correct and won’t let you leave the house looking like a hot mess.

 

Trend Setting

Rachel Bilson always seems to be ahead of the trends and knows exactly what to wear.

Everyone has a trendsetter friend. This is the girl who wore dark nail polish when it was still considered “goth” and wore leggings before the celebrities. Trendsetters always seem to wear a look just before it really becomes fashionable. They are the reason why different things become so popular (think feather hair extensions and dip-dyes of the summer, combat boots this winter, etc.). If you don’t have a trendsetter friend, go find one. These are the girls who are on top of their A-game and keep you on your toes. You’ll always know what the next trend will be if you hang out with a trensetter

 

Knowing Your Style

Each girl knows what her style is, which is why each look is completely different even though they started with the same shirt.

Knowing your own style is a talent in itself. Being able to withstand the constant media around different fads and dress the way you love to is a talent. It takes a strong person to be able to look at a magazine and not be influenced. It takes a strong person to be different than everyone else. This talent is probably the most important because by knowing what your style is, you really know yourself and that’s the most important thing.

 

 

If you already know your talent, then congratulations. But for those of you who have never really thought about it, take some time this weekend and figure out what your talent is in terms of fashion or beauty. Maybe you’re the person who knows her style. Or maybe you’re a combination of a trendsetter and a stylist. But the important thing to remember is that you have something to say and a special gift when it comes to fashion. Everyone does.

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01/12/2012

Set Fire to the Rain

Besides for being my favorite song on Adele’s latest album, “set fire to the rain” is a phrase I love. I chose the song to title this post because it’s sort of a double entendre. To me, these words mean that you are doing the impossible, you are making something happen that you never thought was possible. I also chose “set fire to the rain” because it’s raining today here in NYC (I know, very cliché, writing something about the rain on a rainy day).

This morning, getting out of bed was setting fire to the rain. One look out the window at the dreary gray sky was all it took to make me stay in bed a little while longer. The sheer force it took me to get ready for work could have moved an elephant. I wonder what it is about rainy days – the dark skies, the rhythm of the rain drops, or the awful premonition of being soaked – that makes people hate the rain.

Even though my morning was terrible, I decided not to let it ruin my day. Instead, I decided to use it as inspiration. I was trying to think of ways to like the rain, but that’s almost as much of a waste of time as thinking of ways to marry Ryan Reynolds. Then I realized that I don’t have to like the rain, I have to like the day and not let the rain ruin that. So I’ve compiled a list of things that still make rainy days lovely.

 

Puddles are not only fun to jump in, they also provide a unique way of seeing things. I love this tumblr, Architectural Puddles, devoted to images of buildings reflected through puddles.

 

I hate to admit it, but I was actually a little bit excited for the rain and there’s only one reason: Hunters. I got a pair of Hunter rain boots for Christmas and I’ve been dying to wear them. Find yourself a pair of rain boots that you love. There are so many different brands (you can get designer wellies or ones from Target), colors, and designs out there that everyone can find a pair they truly love. When you hear the pitter-patter of the rain, just think of how much you love your rain boots and you’ll instantly be happier.

 

I love the smell of the rain. Right before rain comes, there is this fresh, clean smell that takes the air. It’s really something special because you have to be in the right place at the right time to get the scent. For example, it doesn’t really smell the same in the city because there are too many other delicious and repulsive things to smell (usually at the same time). But in the suburbs or countryside, go outside at the beginning of the storm, and I guarantee that you’ll be able to smell the rain.

 

For some strange reason, I am usually more creative on rainy days. My thoughts run constantly, changing and weaving through each other until suddenly I have a new idea for a blog or ways to arrange my clothes into a cool outfit or something to put on my bucket list. It’s like my brain knows that the day is going to suck, so it decides to make me a little happier by providing me with good ideas. On the next rainy day, just listen to the rain fall and let your thoughts run wild. See if you come up with anything new.

 

One thing I love is getting out of the rain. Walking into your home after being in the rain makes you appreciate its warmth. The best part, though, is getting into some comfortable pajamas, getting into bed, and watching a movie or reading a book… Which is exactly what I’m going to do when I get home.

 

Another thing to love about rainy days: knowing they won’t last forever. Eventually the clouds will part and the sun will be back again.

 

 

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01/09/2012

Fearless

I know some people may judge me, but I am a huge Taylor Swift fan. I think her songs are beautifully written and relatable, I thought what Kanye did was unacceptable, and I think her image as a role model is remarkable.

One of my favorite quotes of Taylor’s is her definition of the word ‘fearless.’ According to Taylor,

“To me, ‘fearless’ is not the absence of fear. It’s not being completely unafraid. To me, fearless is having fears. Fearless is having doubts. Lots of them. To me, fearless is living in spite of those things that scare you to death.”

So what, you may ask, does this have to do with fashion? Well, as in all areas of life, there are fears in the fashion world. There are certain “rules” that people are afraid to break. There are certain trends that you might be afraid to try. But we all need to get over this and realize that fashion is an expression of yourself, so if you like something, do it. Don’t care about what the haters might say. Here’s our list of ways to be fearless with your fashion.

 

 

 

 

We aren't all born 5'4" like Carrie, but we can all wear Manolo's (if we can afford them).

So you love heels, but you already tower over people

If you’re tall like me, standing at five feet ten inches bare-footed, you’re already taller than most people. Add heels to the mix, and suddenly you’re looking at the tops of everyone’s heads. The looks people give you are intimidating; sorry I’m not sorry that I love heels and I happen to be tall. It’s even harder to have confidence in heels when people are constantly saying that you’re too tall (thanks, Mom). You give in to society’s norm until one day you realize you have a closet full of flats and boots (albeit really nice ones) instead of the closet of Louboutins you dream of. Society beats you down, causing you to wear Tory Burch flats with your LBD instead of  some heels to edge it up. Well, my friends, I’m telling you to get those heels out of the back of the closet, dust them off, and rock them. This summer, I decided that I don’t care what people say. I love high heels, and I’m comfortable in high heels, so why shouldn’t I be able to wear them? People don’t tell short people not to wear flats. Heels are the one item that are universally flattering. They make you walk better, look thinner, and feel more glamorous. And you know what I say? The taller the better. It shows a sexy fearlessness to turn society upside down and do what you want. It’s time to look the 6’4″ men in the eye with confidence!

 

 

 

We know not everyone in your town might look like this, but if you want to dress like you just stepped out of a magazine, do it!

So you love high fashion but everyone around you is wearing jeans and tee’s

Walking around NYC, I’ve noticed two types of people: the ones that look like they just came out of Vogue and everyone else. For us, looking fashionable is something we thrive for, but if you’re not in the city, it’s hard to dress so chic but still look normal. Most people in Newark, DE are not wearing a DVF fur jacket; most wear jeans and a simple peacoat. But why be like everyone else when you can be yourself? If you like bold looks and current trends, why not try it? If people stare, it’s most likely because they love your look or wish that they had the guts to pull it off. The best way to ease trendier pieces into your wardrobe is to pair them with staples so that you still look a little normal for surburban society. As every fearless girl knows, sometimes you’ve just gotta take the leap and be confident in your style.

 

 

 

 

Every woman is different and has a unique style. Do your clothes reflect who you are?

So your grunge style is different than the preppy looks around you

Every girl has her own unique style and a way of defining it. I call mine “classic with an edge.” I love classic pieces like blazers, riding boots, and dresses, but I like to put a twist on these pieces with accessories like skull scarves or studded belts. Everyone knows who they are and what they like, but sometimes your personal style doesn’t match what’s in style according to the fashion world. For girls who favor the ripped-tights-and-combat-boots grunge that became popular in the 90s, their look has been brought back into fashion this past year so they are no longer outsiders. But there are plenty of other styles that are not so popular. Maybe you live in Massachusetts and everyone around you wears Jack Wills or Ralph Lauren, while you have a girly-vintage look and buy your clothes from Urban Outfitters. Everyone is afraid of being the outsider, but when you’re fashion makes you an outsider, you’re judged before you even open your mouth. The thing is, if you know who you are and what you like, you should wear things you love. You have to be fearless in your fashion and know who you are.

 

 

 

There are so many different fears people have when it comes to fashion. I could go on forever. But the thing is, it doesn’t matter what you’re afraid of. What matters is how you get over your fears, how you realize that you can do whatever you want. We all have reservations when it comes to what we’re wearing, but we have to dress how we want in spite of these fears and in spite of what everyone else tells us to do.