Posts Tagged ‘Link Love’
My 2010 Fashion Resolutions (From CollegeCandy.com)
Every year we make countless resolutions: lose weight, study harder, be more organized, be nicer to our family, not drink so much.
And usually, we don’t keep, well, any of them. Especially that last one, unless if by “not drink so much” you mean “throw up in the actual toilet more.” If that’s the case, then we get better and better every year!
But what about fashion? Sure, from the surface it doesn’t seem obvious that we should make fashion resolutions, but why not? Fashion is an extension of who we are. It’s the first thing people see when they meet us, therefore judging us by whatever fashion mishaps we might happen to be dealing with. And with a decade closing its doors, not only will it hopefully be leaving some of the fashion trends behind (uh, harem pants?!), but it’s the perfect time (a new year and a new decade) to think about what your fashion choices say about you.
So take a moment and think about what you want to look like in 2010. Here are just a few fashion resolutions for all of us.
1) I Will Be Original. We all love trends but do we need to walk around as cloned Urban Outfitters mannequins? This year, don’t let the trends wear you. You can be fashionable and trendy if you want to, but put your own unique touch into your wardrobe, be it a certain accessory, a pop of color, or a signature piece. Find your own personal style – that signature look that your friends will see and say “that is so (insert your name here).”
2) I Will Not Buy Crap I Don’t Need. Buyer’s remorse is the worst feeling, ever. Okay, so maybe a really bad hangover is worse, but we all know how much it sucks when we think we have NOTHING to wear (even though we have a closet jam packed with clothes) and run out to buy a top for tonight’s party… This year be realistic about what you really NEED. Before you run out to buy yet another low cut black top, think about how to reinvent the ones already in your closet (add a fun necklace, a bold bag or throw a blazer over it). You can even make a fashion fund – any time you are tempted to go spend frivolously, put the $30 in a jar and in a few months you will have enough saved up to splurge on something expensive (like that Marc Jacobs bag you’ve been eying and dying for).
3) I Will Buy the Uber Trends on the Cheap. We all know that in a year from now we will be SO over sequins and feathers and fringe, so why shell out the big bucks for the trends that aren’t here to stay? Lord knows how much money we wasted on cowboy boots and prairie skirts back in 2005 and on butterfly clips, Abercrombie tee’s and platform gym shoes in 1998… Buy your classics at quality stores – invest in a good pair of jeans, a nice pair of boots, a nice sweater, black pants – but the super trends can be left to Forever 21 so that by next year you don’t feel guilty looking at some $150 sequin top collecting dust in your closet.
4) I Will Put In a Little More Effort. I know I sound like my mother when I say it only takes 5 minutes to put yourself together and you never know who you are going to meet. But really, it only takes 5 minutes to put yourself together and you never know who you are going to meet! Fact is, I don’t have enough hands to count the times I’ve seen cute boys, ran into bitches from my past or important people that could be in my future and looked like absolute crap. Maybe even worse. You’ve got a closet full of clothes so there is no reason to be rocking the sweats and sweatshirt every day. Make a conscious effort this year to care about your appearance, because when you feel good about how you look, you exude that feeling (confidence, sexiness, etc) to others. And the cute boy in the coffee shop may not look away (in fear/disgust) anymore!
5) I Will Understand that Sometimes Less is More. I’m talking to me and I’m talking to you on this one: for some reason college is not only the best four years of our lives, it’s the sluttiest dressed years, too. Shirts cut so low in the front that you can practically see your belly button, skirts so short that everyone’s Britney (read: crotch) is hanging out… It’s not pretty. Let’s all take a moment and say the following out loud: sometimes less is more. (And I’m not referring to material!) Ask yourself why you feel it’s so necessary to wear such revealing clothes and this year – even when media is getting sexier and clothes are getting tighter – reevaluate the look you want to give off to the world, and to men. There is nothing wrong with feeling sexy and dressing sexy, but you can dress sexy and be sexy (and in my opinion, sexier) without being of obvious about it!
6) I Will Buy Clothes That Fit Me. No one sees the number or letter sewn into the back of your clothes, so stop trying to hard to squeeze into a size that does not fit. You’ll look a whole lot thinner and sexier rocking a large dress that fits you than rocking a medium dress that makes you look like a tasty piece of sausage. Have you ever heard anyone say the words, “Wow, her muffin top is hot?!” No? Well there’s a reason for that. Be honest with yourself and what size/trends work with your body and you will look and feel better than you ever have before.
You got any other fashion resolutions? Share them below!
MJ Puts the Petal to the Metal
Via our friends at thefind.com:
This has got to be one of the sweetest handbags I’ve seen recently from Marc by Marc Jacobs. The Petal to the Metal leather satchel ($200 at Net-a-Porter) comes in a shade of tobacco called ‘newsprint’, yet it’s style shouts indulgent cupcake from Magnolia Bakery. Overall this is a charming bag because of its compact size. Clearly it is an example of the affordable whimsy and wit so clearly defined and redefined again each season at Marc by Marc Jacobs.
The Petal to the Metal leather satchel is a pint sized messenger bag adorned with a small bird on its front flap. The front flap is accentuated with a zipper detailing around the edge, although not functional it adds an interesting texture and outlines the shape of the bag. Inside is a pouch compartment lined in an ’80s inspired geometric twill print. The closure is secured by a magnet on the outside and a small non-functional strap loops under the gold-toned dove. I am not sure why the purely aesthetic strap does not cross over the entire bag, it does dilute the look of the design a bit. The dove has is embossed with a tiny circle so small you’ll need a magnifying glass to read the Marc by Marc Jacobs logo. The long strap and makes this messenger bag perfect for carrying only your most basic essentials. Overall I do like the look of this bag and it would make a perfect bag for a post-holiday trip abroad or a charming gift for aspiring fashionista teen. This whimsical bag is also the ideal accessory for adding a bit of eclectic fun to your casual weekend look. Pair with an oversized tee and or blazer, skinny black leggings and some oxford flats.
Budget Stylista: Glitz and Glammer on NYE
Via our friends at CollegeCandy.com:
So maybe I’m a little late in the game, but 2010 is, like, soon. It feels like only yesterday that I was sitting on my daybed thinking, “this is the last time we can sing ‘Tonight We’re Gonna Party Like it’s 1999?” as I placed 5 too many butterfly clips into my hair and rocked out in my platform gym shoes.
God I feel old.
But I digress. New Year’s Eve is hands down the best excuse to dress up. But that doesn’t mean you gotta splurge on some hot frock that will look great in pictures, but not so great sitting in the back of your closet for the next 2 years because you have nowhere to wear it again. There are plenty of ways to spice up your look for the big night by adding some fun pieces to the stuff you already own. Here are just a few not-a-dress options to ring in the big 20-10.
Skirt:
You gotta rock something shiny on NYE, and this skirt is just perfect. I love red and gold together, which is why I paired this shimmery skirt with a basic red tank. But if red is only your color when your monthly friend comes to visit, throw on a basic black scoop tank or tee, black tights and pumps and this look is good to go.
Skirt, Lulus.com
Red Tank, Forever 21
Cuff, Forever 21
Cheap and fabulous pumps, Forever 21
Romper
There’s something about a romper that just screams, “I’m totally chic.” And this one has just the right amount of sparkle for the special night. You canpair with tights if you’re not in Miami…and shave your legs if you are. Feel free to play with textures, like sequined shoes, chunky tights and a bold cuff. Or keep it simple and throw on a colored bag or bangle for a pop.
Romper, Lulus
Shoes, Forever 21
Tights, Forever 21
Cuff, Forever 21
Leggings
You already own some leggings, obviously, so dress them up with a bold (and long!) sequin top. You’ll dazzle into the new year and be super comfortable to boot. Just make sure to keep everything else pretty neutral so you don’t look like you just fell out of a Prince music video.
Top, Forever 21
Leggings, Forever 21
Pumps, Nordstrom
Jeans
I love, love, love this body suit. Yes, it’s a body suit. Yes, body suits remind me of jazzercise videos from the 90s. But tucked into jeans (or a skirt) it’s fashion genius: it’s sexy, fitted, and you don’t have to worry about it bunching. And can we talk about how hot the back is?
OK, so it may be a problem when your New Year’s Kiss wants to get busy…or when you drink too much champagne and have to go to the bathroom every 3 minutes, but it’s probably the most versatile piece you could pick up for the big night. Just think of all the other places you could work this thing. And, really, you can sparkle it up as much or as little as you want. Add a big, bold necklace. Throw on some bangles. Slip into a bright colored shoe. And roll into the new year without looking like you tried too hard.
Body Suit, Urban Outfitters
Jeans, Nordstrom
Pumps, Nordstrom
Necklace, Lulus
Take a Bow
I’m not sure what did it or why, but my new obsession is with bows. I LOVE Tiffany’s bow jewelry. Okay, I love anything Tiffany, but seriously, their new bow pieces are so delicate and delightful. See for yourself and you’ll agree.
Bow earrings, $125.00 at Tiffany & Co.
But my favorite bows are found on t-shirts. There’s just something so nonplussed about seeing a pretty, feminine bow on a casual t-shirt. T-shirts are rebellious. Bows are dainty. I love that contradicting combo. My favorite bow t-shirt is by Red Valentino.
Red Valentino Embroidered-Bow Tee
$195.00 by RED Valentino at Saks Fifth Avenue
I recently purchased this bow graphic print tee at New York & Company during their 50% off sale.
City Style Flocked Ribbon Graphic Tee, $19.95$9.97 at New York & Co.
Post Holiday Getaway Essentials
From our friends at thefind.com:
Once the presents have been opened and the house guests have come and gone you can finally look forward to your post-holiday escape. If you are jetting off to somewhere exotic and warm lined with white sandy beaches why not splurge on yourself and spend those gift cards straight away some new luxe beach-worthy essentials.
Indulge in some Marni oversized shades ($455 at Net-a-Porter) for protecting your eyes from the sun, considering you haven’t seen actual sunlight during these past couple months of snow and sleet. Defrost and decompress under a full 8? wide large brimmed straw hat ($24.99 at Buy.com), perfect for hiding from harsh UV rays as you bask pool side. Stash your travelers checks, tickets and passport in a super stylish basic leather travel wallet from Smythson ($340 at Net-a-Porter). Inside you’ll find compartments marked ‘Boarding Pass’, ‘Currency’, ‘Passport’, ‘Tickets’, and ‘other’. What is more glam than this shade of fuchsia leather? Pack up the rest of your essentials in an travel tote like this Stella McCartney oversized technical taffeta tote ($785 at Net-a-Porter). The tote is embellished with gold toned hardware, a long shoulder strap to wear messenger style and sports internal zipped and pouch pockets to keep you organized and tidy on the road to paradise. For all of the beauty items that won’t fit in your tote, toss them into this gorgeous Erdem Globe Trotter vanity case ($595 at Net-a-Porter). The red case is accented with gold-tone hardware and black leather trim. The heirloom quality case is worthy of your most prized accessories and beauty essentials as you step thru the boarding gate in pure jetsetter style. Bon voyage!