Style 1: Resolutions

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For Christmas this year, I recieved a couple of books about style:  Amanda Brooks' I ♥ Your Style and Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant's The Fashion File.  I've enjoyed reading them both so far, because I love learning about harnessing personal style.

However, I've found that these kinds of books (and I have a number of them) tend to repeat themselves.  In one way or another, so-called "individual" style is clumped into genres such as "Classic" or "Bohemian."  Although I do agree that from first glance it is easy to make surface assumptions about a person's style, I believe there is much more to read into about their personality and history.  (Perhaps this is just me trying to think like a costume designer though!)  Take the photo above--elements of classic and bohemian are present in this all-around retro look.

To me, style is something either meticiously formulated (which I don't do myself, but it works for many people) or innately apparent in every look you choose whether you're dressing up or down.

For the new year, I challenge you to harness your unique style.  Here are a few tips:

1. Look into your closet and see what you have.  If you don't like what you see, do something about it!
2. Start thinking consciously about what kind of style you want to emulate while you are shopping for new pieces.   I have lost count of the times where I've tried something on that I know looks great, but just isn't "Kaylie" enough to feel 100% right.  Let it go.  Believe me, it will save you money and regret.
3. When shopping, look for unique pieces.  Thrifting is always the best option if you want to accomplish this.  For instance, last time I went I found a handmade suede skirt with embroidered horses on it.  I mean, COME ON.  It will also make you feel cooler just owning something like that.
4. If you haven't worn something in the past year, good chance you will never wear it again.  Get rid of it to give you space for new pieces that you will actually wear! 
5. Don't be afraid to take risks.  We're young.  We will get a laugh out of most of our wardrobe choices in twenty years anyway.
6. Experiment with color blocking and prints.  Have fun and make people smile when they see you.  Unless your style is goth... Then by all means, paint it black!
7. Most importantly:  Don't ever take yourself too seriously when it comes to style.  The best style has a good sense of humor.

Happy New Year!

Fashion 112: 10 Things Every Girl Should Have

   There are many things that girls think they need but the reality of it is they don't. But there are some things you girls do need.  

1.    Concealer - this is a very important tool for girls who have acne. It will cover up your acne and make your face look flawless . (it also is a life saver when you have a surprise problem zit) I suggest Neutrogena oil-free concealer. This makes sure that you can cover up without your skin regretting it later. 

  2.   Cute boots- Boots are a fashion must have. There are so many different kinds to choose from. From moccasin boots to cowboy, all kinds are good accessories to your wardrobe. You can do the Taylor swift, a cute vibrant dress with cowboy,the Miley Cyrus- edgy rocker boots with tights or jeans,or the Zoe Zax- moccasin boots with shorts and a  cute vintage tee. No matter what style you are, boots with always be in style.

     3. Vintage tees-  From band tees to v-necks , this fashion need is hot. It shows how chill your personality is, just at one glance. BONUS: there is no need to get designer stuff because this fashion is very affordable. Also incredibly comfy, so you can look hot with out trying

4.  Jeans-  Now this is a big must have! Jeans are one of the most important part of your wardrobe. Flare jeans with heels give you hidden height which is a major bonus. Skinny jeans show off your legs in a way no other jean can. The sculpt your legs, just make sure that they are the right length because bunchy ankles make you look short and stumpy. Faded and ripped jeans give you a more edgy relaxed look that is also very chill. Boyfriend jeans are a new style that follows a old tradition. The cuffed bottoms make for awesome long legs that every girl wants.

 5. Converse- these shoes are the best. Durable, cute, and amazing! they are perfect for our busy life styles. You can wear them with any outfit and still be the all-star of the room . They come in every color imaginable and in low or high tops. Wearing a cute flirty dress with converse gives you the sweet and sporty look.

6. Skirts- skirts have many important features that you have to consider when your putting an outfit together or buying a new skirt. 

1.   Make sure your skirt fits the way you want it to by trying it on! 
2. look at how to skirt accentuates your curves. Some patterns don't do your body type justice
3. make sure they length isn't TOO short.(especially when they are high waisted skirts)

7. Shorts- these bottoms are a good thing to have for sudden heat waves and summer. Just make sure that they aren't so short your butt is hanging out. That is not attractive.  You want to have some high waist shorts to wear over a cute tank or v-neck with a cute belt and some heeled boots. This makes for an uber cute outfit that shows off your leg's length.

                                                           

8. Head Bands- This little accessory may seem like its not important but IT IS. It could change the level of an outfit from looking good to DANG I'm hot!. There is also a very large variety. A flower head band gives you more of a sweet look , and a head band that is literally around your forehead gives you more of a nature, hippy look. Sparkly head bands make you stand out when going out!. 

9. Friendship Bracelets- What I love about friendship bracelets is what they do for you. They make your friendship with your friends stronger and they are uber cute!. They go with everything and you don't have to worry about taking them off when you sleep, shower or change outfits. Thee hand made must haves are also really fun to do when you need you pass time.

10. Metallic Nail Polish- Painted Nails make you look more polished and together. It comes in EVERY COLOR! So It can go with every style . Metallic nails are very cool looking and easy to do. Just paint your nails and add a shine coat on top. Now, when you raise your hand in class, it will be show stopping!

These are the must have things that you need in your closet to show off your personal style, Remember to make everything your own and make it hot.

Fashion 109: Yummy Accessories

Think back to 2006. If you were in middle school, or possibly high school you'll most definitely remember those somewhat horrible kool- aid pouch bags, or those capri sun bags.
Yes those bags. Everyone in my grade had them and I hated them with a passion. I refused to stoop as low as to follow that fashion trend because I knew that in a mere 3 or 4 months they would go out of style. Sure enough, as soon as they started to sell them at Wal* Mart everyone dropped them and pretended that they never begged their parents to buy them one in the first place. While this trend didn't last long, here are some things that are sure to stay in style and grab a few compliments as well!
1. Hand made by the ever so cool blogger Agent Lover, this petite cake headband is the perfect topper to any eccentric outfit. Although it is on the pricey side running a cool $60, they come in multiple colors and are sure to attract attention. Also, the actual band is translucent, so it'll seem like you have this cute little cake perched on top of your head without anything keeping it on! You can check it out here!

2. With this pouch you can somewhat deceive muggers by putting your valuables in this potato chip pouch designed by Fred Flare. It's reasonably priced at $10, and apparently has 0gs of trans fat! You can check it out here!

3. Also designed by Fred Flare this buttered toast wallet is sure to deceive most at first glance. Being a toast enthusiast myself, this wallet is a must have, and for $16 you won't go broke while trying to show off your love for toast! You can check it out here!
4. For all the breakfast lovers out there this ring is on sale at Etsy for $10! Since it is from Etsy it is most likely a one of a kind item so if you want it, be sure to get it quick before someone else snatches it up! You can check it out here!

5. Also from Etsy (Coolbeans717) this pop tart cozy can be used as a wallet, business card holder, or even a little Ipod holder! Hand crafted, and made from felt it's super soft, and only $13.50! You can check it out here!

And, even though this isn't a "yummy" accessory I couldn't help but share this one!Made by the same designer that crafted the pop-tart cozy this cool little gadget pouch can be found here!

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed these few yummy accessories!

Fashion 103: The Return of...the Pants?

Bergdorf Goodman believes that pants are undoubtedly the fall trend of the season. Now wait a minute, you may think, pants as a trend? Everybody wears pants! This is nothing new or exciting.

You might think that. Lately though, the world could use some pants. Celebrities like Lady Gaga and Rihanna have made skipping the trouser trendy. With stores like American Apparel pushing the legging and tights sans much else look, and the rise of the "jegging" (leggings that look like jeans), it's time for a change. If pants are going to be considered fashionable for the fall, this is their time to shine!



Let's think about the time in which pants were so popular, a sisterhood of friends decided to pass a magic pair around to each other to wear. One of the best things about pants is the cut and fit. From wide leg to skinny to fitted, it's easy to take a pair of jeans or pants in to be tailored to fit you just right. I do stress fitting right. Nothing's worse than tripping over long flares or not being able to breathe from sucking in your stomach to fit in a smaller size!

Comfort is key. Be sure the fabric and fit allow you to breathe. If you don't like the number on your pants size, snip it off. Nobody ever asks what size your pants are when they compliment you!



Like the sisterhood says, pants equal love.

Embrace the trend again and feel the love.

Written by Heather

Fashion 101: Retro Swimwear

I'm the kind of girl who walks into Victoria's Secret and asks herself, "What would Grace Kelly wear?" Generally when I ask myself this question, I find and leave with lingerie that looks more at home in Audrey Hepburn's wardrobe. Lovely and pretty pieces that are not leopard printed with words on the derriere, as so many pieces there are.

When it comes swimwear, I like to keep it flirty and fun, but not skimpy. Finding a swimsuit that covers while staying cute is not easy at all. Luckily, the fine folks at Modcloth, a vintage fashion clothing site, have the best array of swimsuits in keeping with the vintage look.

Like the Beach Blanket Bingo Two Piece which features lowcut legs, a high-waisted bottom with flattering ruching, and a halter neck. It is one of the top-rated pieces on the site and looks pin-up perfect!



Along with other pieces like the Bathing Beauty One Piece in Emerald (can't you just see Katy Perry dying for this one?), these swimsuits come in a variety of colors and sizes. It is recommended by the reviewers on the site that you size up a size because most of the swimwear is sized from a small.

While the prices are generally higher than most swimsuits, these are unique, well-fitting, and fabulous. Definitely worth the investment!

Written by Heather