Fashion Resolutions for Spring 09

here's my board of inspiration, it comes from various blogs, lookbook.un, and then some.

1. More fun: You're young for only so long. I need some more whimsical items in my wardrobe; incorporate more happy colors like orange, yellow, white, tan;

2. More romantic: summery dresses, soft fabrics, florals, frills, just not in pink (unless it's red-violet), and not to mention some bows and stuff

3. Get a Vest in tweed; more versatile, less professional; more hippie, less menswear

4. Only thrift when I need a fashion fix: the recession has hit my income too, so I will just have to get over the dirtiness of thrift stores and seek true treasures (like my Banana Republic jacket I bought for $6, holla!) there.

5. Add color; oh wait, already stated that.

6.Do some DIY: headbands and maybe a new sewing project:

(both pics from Keikolynn)

7. Splurge on some investment pieces for college: i.e. a trench coat, some knee high boots, or something on the collector's list

Runway Raving

(Clockwise from top left: Chloe FRTW08, next four from Louis Vuitton SRTW09, Zac Posen FRTW08, three from Chanel FRTW08)

So I honestly am not a big fan of runways. Sure, that's where fashion "originates"; sure, it's an expression of art; sure, the design the clothes is amazing. Say all you want. I personally think that the models are scary looking (go eat a freaking pizza, for goodness sake) and that usually the clothes can look plainly odd or awkward on the model.

However, every so often I can find something sensational and motivating. So here's how I'm going to incorporate my inspirations:

Chanel: I will wear more feminine stuff - frills, lace, textured tights, lace robe coverings- only in a very classic manner and with a darker color pallate.

Chloe: Also a reinforcer of the edgy romantic, only with a floral scarf tied in a bow and a studded jacket to contrast. Also an encourager for texture. Not to mention I'm going to finally get that dark dark red lipstick I've been longing for so long.

Zac Posen: Old Hollywood Glamour, so therefore I've been curling my hair again, but trying every kind of curl: the sleek wave, the tight curler kind, the big wavy, you name it. Also dark red lipstick, and black lace. I will try to incorporate lady-like gloves in my outfits, and search for a classy trench coat.
And finally....
Louis Vuitton: Ahhh, a bit mind blowing. Bohemian jewelry!! So I need to get crafty and a bit bolder. Asian boho is totally up my alley. I'm getting quite fond of kimono-esque shirts and the exotic silk prints.

Till next collection season. :)

Media Spotlight: Cracking Blair's Wardrobe

After spying on Gossip Girl's episode pictures and watching the occasional random episode for about year now, I think I have figured out how to dress like fashion sensation Blair Waldorf.

Pretty straightforward, suprisingly.
To begin...

The Foundational Pieces: Black pencil skirt; shorter black a-line; navy/blue a-line; white button-up, striped button-up, white ruffle shirt; sweater vests; red, black, and white long sleeve layer shirt.

Outerwear: trenches in various colors and prints, preppy or girly blazers with either stripes or bows, or solid.

Accesories: Tights in every texture and color; lots and lots headbands with bows, flowers, etc; heels in neutrals and red; preppy flats or oxfords; black and white gloves; neck bowties, ties, ascots;bags, neutrals or red with sleek professional appearance; pearls, gold, or diamonds on a seldom occasion.

Special Occasions: frills, lace, bows, something girly; summer wear floral and white dresses, navy short shorts, heels (tall and kittens), no sandals or flip flops here!

Hair: Sleek curly, tied back neatly, headbands or scarf tied on.

Face: Brown, plum, gray, or cream eyeshadow, natural eyes; sheer or red lips; rosy or bronze cheeks; general look very clean and prim.

General Colors: Red, black, navy, white, off-white, tan, any neutral besides pure brown, red, yellow, orange, light pink, blue, muted lime-green.

Prints: Plaid, floral, argyle, vertical stripes, lace, tweed?

There you have it. I suppose the most important thing to remember about Blair's wardrobe is the details. The character is a perfectionalist, therefore her wardrobe and appearance is going to be presented in that manner. Pay attention to the details, and do look feminine.

For more reading, you can also check out Collegefashion.net's article

XOXO

Wanted! Military Peacoat

Logic Behind Desire:

1. Jimi Hendrix: One of my style icons, I claim him as the originator of this jacket in modern times. As I've used as a reference before from wikipedia,
"When his first advance check arrived, Hendrix immediately took to the streets of London in search of clothing at famous shops like "I Was Lord Kitchener's Valet" and "Granny Takes A Trip", both of which specialised in vintage fashion, where he purchased at least two army dress uniform jackets, including an old Hussar's one adorned with tasseled ropes. A group of policeman once ordered him to remove a Royal Veterinary Corps dress jacket, saying it was an offense to the men who had worn it."
Therefore, Jimi set it as a sign of rebellion, perhaps a nod to the vets, but it basically is now a staple in legendary rock outfits.
I love it because it's a nice change from the standard leather jacket of rock.

2. Nina Garcia's 100: Great book, need to get it sometime. But one of the 100 things a women should own on Nina Garcia's list is a peacoat. I do moderately like some nautical peacoats out there, but this jacket is sensationally superior and gives the same effect.

3. Random Blogs and Postings: Sea of Shoes, a quite famous high fashion blog, has sported an authentic vintage jacket and it has made her outfits quickly spectacular. Le Blog De Betty: She shows how versatile it can be with a dress.

And finally...
4. Jennifer Hudson at the Superbowl: Such an intense game! And a fantastic SSB by she.
Seeing her sport a rendition of the Hendrix/military jacket made me believe that not only me, also a pretty curvy girl, could pull it off, but also that it is fantastic with a plain white tee and dark jeans.

There you have it.

I was very humored at this sudden urge because for a while I began to believe that
I was giving up my rock-n-roll taste, but it has come back with full force through this jacket. Only it's a whole lot chicer than the usual metal look.

(Photos courtesy of Sea of Shoes blog, Le Blog De Betty, Chictopia, and Google Search Image)

Happy Hunting!