Simple

Horrible outfits can range from tacky to trashy or from gross to Goth, but what's one thing all bad outfits seem to have in common? Clutter. It's either way too many plastic necklaces, or the mini-skirt, leggings, capri combo, but no matter what, the main problem isn't the horrific colors, cheap materials, or complete wrong sizes (although it does contribute), instead, it is the over indulgence in everything, from jewelry to material. As a child, we all went through the phase when we threw on every cool thing we owned- all at once- but as I grow up-or at least attempt the overrated journey (rambling, sorry)- I've come to the realization that "less is more" is a saying for a reason. In case my babbling doesn't make sense, here's in example, what says chic more: High heels, tights, tank top, t-shirt, sweater, hat, earrings, necklaces (I hope your getting the point) or black dress, gorgeous teal Christian Louboutin heels and a giant vintage rock on your finger. To some readers, this may not seem more chic, but instead, more boring, safe, and unadventurous. But, take a second, couldn't simplism in itself be a risk, be unsafe, and adventurous. Can't a simple, put-together outfit stand out just as much as a neon windbreaker and ruffled mini skirt. Everyone wants to be in individual, and tries doing so through outrageous clothes. But, if everyone's doing it, then going along doesn't make you an individual any more. I'm going in circles trying to make my point, but it all boils down to one thing. Simple is chic, chic is individual, tacky and cluttered is typical, and in our society, over expected.

Chic at it's finest thanks to Phillip Lim 3.1 at the CFDA Awards 2007:

Move Over Wintour

Going to a private school, everyone around you is, for lack of a better word, practical. Ambitions are high, of course, but no one wants to be a famous painter, a prima ballerina, an astronaut or the next Britney Spears (before K-Fed and the fashion disasters to follow, of course). On the contrary, reasonable, and seemingly less entertaining, jobs are the "dreams" of my classmates. Doctors, lawyers, stock brokers (basically any occupation where Brooks Brothers is the uniform) are what these young men and women aspire to be. So where do I stand in all this practical minded commotion? And, more importantly where does fashion stand? Well, it all comes together like this: if I could be anything in the world, I would be Anna Wintour.


Ok, so she's not technically a "thing", but I can't imagine anything more amazing then spending my days running from fashion shows to photo shoots, reading and reviewing articles on topics overwhelming our world and the latest shoe trends from the world's most incredible fashion journalist, and constantly sporting the newest trends and designers while the whole world is watching. I love journalism, magazines, and fashion, so, if I could be editor-in-chief of American Vogue, it would be a dream come true. Yes, it is a glamorous and highly public job, but it is also a fast-paced, tough, and judgmental environment. I can handle that, no worries, but the one thing I can't really get a handle on is how to get there. If you want to be a lawyer, go to Harvard, a violinist, go to Julliard, but Ms. Wintour? I'm not so sure. A career in the fashion industry is constantly sought after, yet there is no direct path to reach your dream job. So where do I start? Who do I ask? All I know is keeping my passion alive, my intelligence sharp, and my style blog running has got to help me somewhere along the line. Right?

Photo Credit: smh.com

Green Is The New Black

In the past few years and especially 2006 and 2007, environmental issues have become more apparent and important in not only the people's eyes, but the entertainment and fashion world's as well. It seems as if after Al Gore's movie, everyone started putting in double the effort to effectively deal with environmental and social crises, which are currently taking large tolls on the world and it's people. Lately, eco-friendly and socially aware clothing lines have been debuting. The first clothing line that caught my eye was Edun, a clothing line created by Bono and Ali Hewson (designed by Rogan Gregory) that manufactures clothes based on a fair-trade policy. Basically, the clothes open up trade between countries like the US and poorer countries, like Africa, that need the export money and the employment opportunities.




This cape sweater from Edun is adorable. It's completely trendy with a very cute neckline, and would give any outfit, complex or simple, the perfect chic touch. One of the great things about is Edun is that all of their clothes are extremely wearable and practical for everyday clothes, yet still fashionable.




I absolutely love this trench coat! With a standout color, modern collar, and big buttons to add detail, it would be beyond perfect for the summer and would undoubtedly turn a mediocre outfit into an instant statement.

So, be aware of what you buy and never again fear eco-friendly or socially conscious clothes (they don't have to be hemp)!

Photo Credit: elle.com, timeout.com

PS- Shout out to Linkin Park's new music video "What I've Done". The music video displays images representing the huge number of problems our society and the whole world is faceing, and the lyrics contemplate each individual's responsibility for it.

Fashion in the Movies

It has to have been a good six months since the last time I bought that golden ticket, divulged in a large popcorn and set reality aside to go see a movie at the theater. The previews for "In the Land of Women"' got me so excited to see Adam Brody's most recent job after the OC (RIP), that I did just that however.



Although, the preview may have been a bit misleading (I won't spoil it, but the plot isn't what you think it's going to be), the movie was still witty and fun. Also, I'm happy to report it was much less of a teen cliché movie than I expected. Anyways, aside from the unpredictable plot and Adam Brody's amazing good looks, another thing that caught my eye was the fashion choices.



OK, so this was no "Devil Wears Prada", and most characters wore clothes similar to what you'd see walking down the street. However, Kristen Stewart's at ease and almost bohemian clothes fit her character perfectly, and I felt the sudden urge to go home and throw on an old concert T-shirt and wide legged jeans.





Also, during one scene, where her and Brody attend a party, she wears an effortlessly cool black dress. Fine, this isn't the best fashion I've ever seen, but something about the general relaxed attitude of it all was so inspiring. Plus, grunge/bohemian looks have always been my guilty pleasure. So anyways, the whole concept of the influence of movies in fashion struck me, and I started to think about other movies that have had iconic outfits.



Obviously, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" came to mind first. That little black dress which will eternally be a staple in every woman's wardrobe made history. It was so basic and easy, yet looked so put together and chic. Topped with a stash of pearls, big sunglasses, and a gorgeously cut back, it was an instant hit.







Next, Basic Instinct came to mind. That killer white dress that was structured so flawlessly will forever hold a spot in the movie industry's fashion hall of fame.



Lastly, I thought about some current movies that have been hits, and how even if the style choices don't seem so innovative right now, I wonder if generations to come will look back on them as classics. Take "Mean Girls" for example; will the pink miniskirt be a timeless staple in a couple of years? Let's hope not, but at least it's better than the Jingle Bell Rock outfits.








Photo Credits: rottentomatoes.com, cnn.com, allposters.com, and vh1.com

College Fashion Shows

Over the years, fashion shows from design programs in colleges have become increasingly popular with the big names in style as well as the general public. Magazine editors, and trend reporters from all around the world are starting to pay more and more attention to the diverse and uninhibited looks young students are creating. Watching a college fashion is supposedly like getting to peer into a crystal ball of fashion. For one, the students of today are the designers of tomorrow; seeing what these style-minded teens and young-adults put on the catwalks now gives us a hint of what type of items we will be seeing from them when they enter the field as professionals. Second, where do you think current designers look for the newest and freshest ideas for their up and coming collections? The youth of our society of course, you didn't really buy the line "they're just born that ingeniously creative" did you? Perhaps because college students have entered an age of self-confidence and assurance, a place where they feel free to take risks in every aspect of their lives, including their fashion choices is why such exceptional looks are produced. May 6, Washington University will host its 78th annual Fashion Design Show, and I'm excited to see the new and innovative concepts these unique and young students have thought up over the year. Needless to say, I'll be reporting back with my opinions and point of view on the show soon after the event.


Schools such as Parsons New School for Design and Central St. Martins also present very popular and insightful fashion shows from the students in their fashion design programs. Here are samples from Central St. Martins' Fall 2007 Show:



Seon Ju Kam
A light cream seems for perfect so fall 2007-tranquil and classic. Yet, the designer puts a twist on a potentially boring color with intricate cutting and detailing.



Kryzsztof Strozyna
While interesting proportions do catch attention, the unnecessarily large adornment and potato sac color is not as easy on the eyes.



Louise Gray
This dress defines fresh. With bold, standout colors, and an optimistic mood as a companion, the outfit is so fun and young. The detailing on the front may be indeed, too young for the majority, but for the few who dare, it could be an easy summer staple with a dash of energy and uniqueness.



Photo Credits: style.com