Outside Lands Outfits

I recently went to Outside Lands in San Francisco. I know when most people think of big festivals they think of Coachella however Southern California is much warmer than the foggy Bay Area, so the attire is a little different. This is how I decided to stay comfortable yet fashionable throughout three days of great music.

Day 1:

The first day is always a trial and error day, you get the feel of what everyone else is wearing, what the weather will be like and the comfort level you will need for the next two days. I started my three days with colorful cutoffs, a neon orange belt, worn converse and a black crop top.

 I also added silver and brown leather jewelry.

 Day 2:

The second day I would have to say was my favorite outfit with bright red jeans, a pink collared top, red lipstick and skull and cross bracelets.

Day 3:

The last day I really wanted to be comfortable to move and dance with my friends so I chose liquid leggings, a big graphic t-shirt and Dr. Martens.

Reflection: FIT Precollege Programs

        I've finished my three weeks at FIT for precollege programs and I overall had a good time. I realized that the major I was thinking of taking in college is in fact the right major for me, and that FIT is a great school. Not all moments were great, I was exhausted most of the time and doing homework during the summer is never fun, but it was important for me to come and realize what a great school FIT is. FIT has a million resources, great staff, connections etc. 

         This summer is a scary period of time, it's finally hit me that this college thing is not a joke and that these places that I've looked at very well could be my home for the next four years. That's a big deal. And then there's the worries about "what if I don't get in?" It's terrifying to think that the school you've fallen in love with could feel differently about you. However, the more information I figure out, the better and I have faith that I'll find my way whether it be at FIT or not. 

"Stop and Smell the Roses"

I recently read a blog post on inspiration; the author was questioning how to find it, and how often she has time to. I feel I struggle with this topic all too often as well. However being at FIT this summer has really opened my eyes to opportunities to observe. The fashion industry moves fast but it also can’t function properly without taking moments to "stop and smell the roses". I’ve learned that inspiration is everywhere and taking time to discover people, places, and things can give you a lot of information. Not many people feel they have the time but we move too fast and I know that I would personally benefit from stopping once in a while to take it all in. 

(I made this collage for an FIT project but I forgot how therapeutic collaging is.)

Another Summer, Another Experience

Since I had such a wonderful experience at Parson's precollege program last summer, I decided to try FIT's this summer. FIT is my top choice for college and I wanted to make sure that the school and major I'm looking into are right for me. So I just finished my first "week" (mon-thurs), I'm staying in NYC right now and taking fashion merchandising as well as fashion forecasting classes for three weeks total. The first week was interesting, getting to know my professors, meeting people in my classes and learning about the fashion industry from a new perspective. It was mostly laid back and in both classes we got out of the classroom often and took pictures of street style as well as window displays in order to figure out what trends are happening now. I've never done that before and it was really cool to observe everyone. I think I'm really enjoying the classes, it makes me giddy and anxious at the same time about college, especially since I hope to come study at this school. The one thing that isn't quite ideal about this situation is that it's very hard to make friends because they don't provide housing so some people take one class and then go home, many people don't live too far away, so the only opportunity for social interaction can sometimes be the classroom and you can't start friendships when you're listening to a lesson. But regardless of that I look forward to seeing what the next two weeks have in store.

My fashion merchandising class walking the Highline.

Essential Items: Stripes

It doesn't matter if they're on pants, a shirt, or shoes. It doesn't matter if they're horizontal or vertical (although we all know what's more flattering), thick or thin, the bottom line is: stripes are a good investment.

Summertime and the Living isn't Always Easy

A new season and yet another fashion crisis to overcome. For teenagers summer is one long weekend and it's casual wear all season. As you may have read before, dressing casual isn't my forte, and what makes it even trickier is most of the time plans aren't officially made until after I've picked my outfit. So how do we stop ourselves from resorting to a t-shirt, cut-offs and flip flops everyday? There's not one simple answer but I've found that if you pick one piece of clothing or an accessory to focus on, the rest of your outfit can be more laid-back. For example, you might wear a pair of cute patterned shorts with a plain t-shirt, and sandals, maybe even a ring or two, so the shorts are your focus and everything else complements them. During summer you don't want lots of clothes or accessories weighing you down so the motto is definitely less is more, in the sense that one accessory, rather than three is a good idea, and many times you won't need a jacket. Of course every situation is going to be different and sometimes you are going to have to go home and change, but if you stick to wearing outfits that you don't mind doing cartwheels in then you might be able to avoid it.

It's How You Wear It

In mid-April, the first day back from spring break, my friend Sophie came up to me and started to describe the new pair of jeans she bought, blue with white polka dots, and I could imagine them so clearly because I realized that I had just bought the same exact pair. I decided, since Sophie and I have different personal style, it would be a nice chance to see how we wore the jeans differently because you know it's not about what you wear, but how you wear it.

Sophie's outfit.

My outfit.

Sophie's style is more laid back while I prefer more structured clothing (and lots of black of course). Both outfits worked well with the jeans from Madewell which goes to show you that there are infinite possibilities when it comes to fashion.

Playing It Cool

I'm in New York City right now and being here makes me feel that I really need to buy into the coolest trend of the trench coat. I've always wanted one but there never seemed like any good use for one because I live in California. However I think it's about time I invest in one, especially one as beautiful as Prada's, . It dresses up any outfit and adds an element of effortless cool. 

The Search for the Perfect...

All fashion obsessed individuals get new clothing or accessory cravings every few weeks and right now mine is the perfect white, collared, button down blouse. I recently became obsessed with rocking the preppy-with-an-edge look and I feel that I need a basic white button down to complete my looks. This seems easy to find right? Wrong. Every one of these shirts is either too thin and therefore see-through, or has some sort of embellishment (which are usually cute but not right for my current purposes.) I want a simple white button down that isn't see through, has a regular collar, not a "peter pan"or ruffled one, and full length sleeves, is that too much to ask? I'll keep you updated on the search, wish me luck!

Essential Items: Blazers

I also use to have a different view of blazers, I thought they were only for business or more serious events, however that is just not the case. This item can pull an outfit together, dress it up, at some character, you name it. Everyone should at least have a black one but I am madly in love with blazers continue to buy them in all different patterns and colors. I believe I almost have ten blazers and counting!

Essential Items: Ballet Flats

I've always been very short and often looked at as "cute", which I hate, so for the most part I've stayed away from clothing items that could make me look younger. However I've recently realized that wearing certain things won't necessarily make me instantly look like I'm five years old. Therefore I've been branching out a little more in recent times and letting my cute flag fly by wearing pieces of clothing that I would never go near before. Some very important pieces that I've let into my wardrobe are: ballet flats. I use to hate them because they seemed like little girl shoes but I've come to learn that they can actually be very sophisticated footwear. I currently am the proud owner of six pairs of ballet flats and wear them all the time.

Wouldn't It Be Nice?

Every year at this time the weather starts to warm up and we shed an extra layer of clothing, however school is still in session for at least two more months (that's forever in a students mind). I start to get so antsy and distracted, all I want to do is lay in the sun but instead I'm stuck in a classroom. It makes me think of the Beach Boys song "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and while I know they weren't talking about that same thing as I am, I feel it still fits.

Therefore, with this distraction in mind I decided to look up some beach photos of the 50's and 60's, along with the Beach Boys themselves. I love the beach styles they wear, the high-rise bathing suit bottoms for women as well as shorter hair, or hair in high up-do's. Even though I'm sure this is not what the beach was like most of the time, all the pictures make me want to go have a dance party on the sand. Wouldn't it be nice?

Old, New, Borrowed, Blue?

In this economy, and the current state of the environment, it is important for us to value what we have and a lot of the time that means buying less and reusing more. For example, your wardrobe. There are some items in my closet that I have had for years, I just couldn't get rid of them, by keeping these items I'm not saying that my style hasn't evolved in the last few years, but rather that I can now take my new style and work that shirt or pair of pants in a completely new way. Now, with all of this said, I have to make a not-so-surprising confession; I love getting new clothes, I love leaving the price tag on for as long as I can until I'm sure it's the right moment to wear the new purchase, I like having options in my closet because I get bored so easily. Basically what I'm trying to say is that while some items can be worn again and again, and it's important to reuse, it's also important for your wardrobe, to treat yourself and add a fresh new piece to it every so often, it just makes you feel good and it sometimes puts other clothing items in new perspective, giving you new outfit ideas. So go ahead, buy that new blazer, just remember that that cute tank you bought a year ago would look just as good with it as that expensive one on the mannequin. Shop wisely!

The T-shirt Challenge: Day 7

Okay, I have to say it: I win! I am the official winner of "The T-Shirt Challenge"! Although it was difficult to wear the same shirt several days in a row, it also made me think of how easy it is to pick out an outfit when you have less to choose from; when you have limited options you have to get more creative and experimental. I don't wish to have to do this challenge ever again, however I think I need to push myself a little more with my daily outfits, find new ways to make them interesting and exciting. That's a challenge I'm willing to take everyday.

To finish off my seven days of wearing the same solid dark gray Delia's t-shirt, I paired it with blue and white striped high-waisted denim shorts from Urban Outfitters, a neon yellow skiny belt from asos.com, a white cloth blazer from by Necessary Objects, black boots, and a long purple necklace that I wrapped a few times around.

The T-shirt Challenge: Day 6

It's the second to last day and I decided to keep it simple with dark purple jeans from LF Stores, a denim shirt over "the shirt" from Madewell, and, for a little pizzazz, silver metallic flats from B.P. Nordstrom.

The T-shirt Challenge: Day 5

Even though it was pouring today I felt the need to wear my pale pink maxi skirt because it was just one of those days. On top I put on one of my favorite combos; a black sweater under a denim vest, and finished the outfit with a blue necklace I stole from my mom. Only two more days to go!

The T-shirt Challenge: Day 4

Today I needed some sass in my outfit and the Joe's Jeans leopard print pants did just the trick. I kept it casual however with my pleather high-top converse. Then I added a light gray headband and metallic silver (hard to tell in photo) sweater to complete the look. (Oh and I forgot to mention before that the shirt is a dark gray plain t-shirt and from Delia's.) Only three more days!

The T-Shirt Challenge: Day 3

It's been raining this week and today I wanted to be nice and warm so I slipped a black turtleneck under "the shirt" and complimented the combo with a silver chain necklace, blue jeans, red rain boots, and a black leather jacket.

The T-Shirt Challenge: Day 2

For day two I got away with pairing "the shirt" with a sheer floral top from LF Stores, as well as black shorts, purple Dr.Martens, and a green military inspired jacket.

The T-Shirt Challenge: Day 1

Many things happen when you are bored in class and this challenge is the outcome of one of those times. It's a long story of how we got here but my friend has challenged me to wear the same shirt for seven days (a five day school week and then two days of the next). Don't worry, I get to wash it, but every day I must wear the same shirt that he picked out. If I successfully make it through seven days then I get to dress him for five in a row, and if I fail to pass the challenge then he gets to dress me for two days. He doesn't think I can do it because I am a big fan of variety, I like to make each day different. However I have faith in myself and therefore made myself an extra rule within the challenge; I have to wear the same shirt, but styled differently every day. I challenge myself to keep my outfits interesting even though I am repeating an item of clothing. So today was day one and I chose to support my last post by wearing an all dark outfit with a shoe that gives a nice pop of color. Wish me luck!

All Black Everything?

Black American Retro dress, neon green skirt, purple bandeau, and black Dr.Marten velvet sneakers.

Red and black shirt-dress with patent leather black belt and black booties.

Hurley black leather vest, vintage denim cut-offs, lace undershorts, and black boots.

With fashion month over I've noticed a trend among many collections this season: black. Yes there's still color continuing to show from season to season, but black on black with black accessories has also shown up more than once. I love wearing black, don't get me wrong, however I can't help thinking there's something missing sometimes. I agree with many others that there is a need for a "pop of color" in almost every outfit. Whether we want to admit it or not wearing all black, all the time, can actually get us down. So the next time you slip on that black blouse with your black jeans, remember to wear some colored shoes or maybe just a ring. Bring a little light to your outfit and your day.

Just for Fun

Usually I try to create each post with a specific purpose, to highlight some opinion or realization I've had, to say something about the outfit I'm showing. However this time I honestly have no speech to give, no explanation of why I'm posting these pictures, other than that I rather enjoyed these outfits. Enjoy!

(Hurley sweater, collared button down shirt from LF Stores, Silence and Noise ripped jeans, and B.P. Nordstrom silver flats.)

(White knit shirt from American Rag, high-low skirt from LF Stores, Jewelmint necklace, and Matiko sandals.)

(Stylemint t-shirt, Necessary Objects blazer, Kimchi Blue pants, DKNY socks, and Steven Madden shoes.)

Friends with Style

My good friend Heidi loves accessories just as much as I do and wears them very well so I finally had to honor her style on my blog. She's wearing a Michael Kors watch, Henri Bendel white bangle and bow-tie ring, and silver bracelet from Tiffany's. Talk about arm/hand candy!

Compare and Contrast

I believe I have posted on this topic before but I've recently noticed how much my style can change from day to day, depending on my mood. I like variety, therefore I like to wear all black one day, then bright pops of color the next. This way of dressing keeps everyone on their toes and keeps me looking forward to tomorrow because with a new day there comes a new outfit.

(Blouse-Nordstrom B.P., pants-Zara, shoes-Shoemint.)

(Sweater-Madewell, shorts-Alexander Wang, shoes-Dr.Martens.)

Dress to Impress...Yourself

I have this problem: I'm horrible at dressing casual. I can absolutely dress up during the week, but when it comes to the weekend my mind draws a blank. I always want to look good of course, but for some reason I have this weird obstacle in my way on the weekends; I don't want to assemble a nice outfit and then have no one see it because my plans didn't turn out how I expected. Therefore often times I dress very down and end up feeling awful in my outfit. There needs to be a happy middle ground. However, also, I personally need to let go of the fear of "wasting an outfit", it doesn't matter who sees me and who appreciated what I wore, I need to remember to dress for myself, to make me feel confident when I walk out the door.

Going Out with a Bang, Goodbye 2011!

Happy New Year! I spent this past New Year's Eve with some of my lovely friends and we went all out, dressed to impress. This was my outfit: Urban Outfitters sequined jacket, LF cropped shirt, leather Alexander Wang shorts, black tights, Giuseppe Zanotti heels, and silver Jewelmint earrings. I also painted my nails neon orange because I wanted to add an unexpected pop of color (close up photo features silver bangles, and silver Forever 21 ring). Here's to a great 2012!