5 Days Of Skirts

In the midst of 5 Days Of Skirts, a conversation with a friend about style made me think about the name of my blog: Hell or High Fashion.  "High Fashion" is very different from run-of-the-mill fashion.  Something can be in "fashion" without being "High Fashion"- bandage dresses and other forms of club-wear come to mind as "fashionable" things that the "High Fashion" world would scoff at.

There are a bunch of subjective definitions of "High Fashion" floating around on the internet (I even found this pretty ridiculous WikiHow article on "How To Look High Fashion"), but the most clear definition I could find was "the art of the application of design and aesthetics or natural beauty to clothing and accessories. It is influenced by cultural and social attitudes."  Essentially, High Fashion is art.  It's creativity. High Fashion encompasses the avant garde trends that trickle down to the mass retailers, who then process the trendy content and push out socially-acceptable versions of high-fashion concepts. 

To the layperson, High Fashion is Vogue.  It's the Paris runway shows.  It's clothing that doesn't care about practicality.  High Fashion is not what you find at Forever21- although those pieces are inspired by High Fashion.  

So how come my blog is called Hell or High Fashion (even though I wear Forever21 pretty much everyday)?  Because even though I'm rarely wearing High Fashion pieces, I always aim to incorporate High Fashion concepts into my everyday wear.  In 5 Days of Skirts, I'll show you exactly how I do it!

Day 1

Ostwald Helgason SS14, Stella McCartney FW13

Blazer, H&M.  Set, shoes, and bag, Forever 21.

On Day 1 of skirts, I drew inspiration from both the Fall 2013 runways and the Spring 2014 runways.  Matching sets are a huge trend in the high fashion community right now- I loved Ostwald Helgason's interpretation for Spring- so I reached for my matching floral skirt set from Forever 21.  Even though it's LA, it's still too chilly to walk around outside in a mini skirt and a crop top, so I threw a navy and grey pinstriped blazer from H&M on top.  This pattern and color combo was a huge Fall 2013 trend, most notably at Stella McCartney, and when I saw this blazer for just $50 (compared with McCartney's $1000+ price tag) I couldn't resist!  A cross-body bag and leopard pumps broke up the dark look.

So, even though I ripped trends from the high fashion runways, the look is 100% me.  Why?  I mixed and matched them in my own way!  Combining Fall and Spring trends in a fresh way ensured that I didn't look like a walking ad for the latest runway looks. 

Day 2

3.1 Phillip Lim FW13

Sweater, Banana Republic.  Shoes & Skirt, Zara.  Necklace, Forever 21.

Day 2 was the day that got me thinking about Hell or High Fashion!  I paired a patched-up denim pencil skirt from Zara with a simple black Banana Republic sweater- I loved the way this look mixed street wear trends with a polished silhouette.  When I met up with a friend that day, she (lovingly) teased me about my outfit, saying the skirt gave me "a mom butt" and that I looked like "a 90s Rachel Greene."  Little did she know that this patchwork skirt is actually on the cutting edge of high fashion!

The skirt was inspired by the Fall 2013 3.1 Phillip Lim runway- the designer showed jeans, shorts, and denim jackets covered in biker-esque patches and I loved the idea!  When I saw this (blatantly knocked-off) skirt at Zara, I was excited that I could incorporate the look into my wardrobe on a budget.  My friend and I clearly had different opinions of this piece- but that's why high fashion is great!  The avant garde ideas on the runway aren't made to please everyone- they're meant to speak to a select group of people, who can take those ideas and run with them.  The 3.1 Phillip Lim runway show spoke to me, and I put my own spin on the designer's aesthetic with this look.

Day 3

Burberry SS14

Top and skirt, vintage.  Shoes and Jacket, Topshop.

Day 3 was Burberry day!  When I saw Burberry's Spring 2014 runway collection, I knew it would inspire me to break out some of my favorite vintage pieces.  Burberry's designer Christopher Bailey sent a gorgeous vintage-inspired black and white print down the catwalk, and I actually owned an authentic vintage crochet top with the same print!  Ahead of the trend and I didn't even know it.  

The Burberry show featured a lot of pastel colors, like baby pink and powder blue, so I paired my vintage top with a pretty pink polka dotted skirt (also vintage).  At night I added my floral leather jacket to the mix, but wore it over my shoulders (another big high fashion trend- read my blog on it here).  I love that the Burberry show drove me to wear things I already own in a new and exciting way!

Day 4

Tibi FW13

Turtleneck, H&M.  Sweater & skirt, Forever 21.  Shoes, Steve Madden.

Things got dark & moody on Day 4, because I woke up late & my apartment was freezing.  I wanted to throw something out that was easy and warm, but I didn't want to forget about my 5 Days Of Skirts challenge.  I decided on a cozy turtleneck worn under an oversized, embellished sweatshirt, a leather skirt, and black pumps.  

Like I mentioned in 5 Days Of Pants, turtlenecks are back in a big way!  They were seen all over the Fall 2013 runways, but my favorite turtleneck looks were those from Tibi.  Tibi gave the formerly-square turtleneck a dark, edgy vibe by pairing them with loads of leather and oversized coats and sweatshirts.  Tibi's version was a little too dark for me, though, so I made sure my sweater sparkled and I showed a little more skin than their models!  A leather mini with punky zipper detailing and classic black pumps made the look less "Tibi" and more "Jessica".

Day 5

Sister by Sibling (2) SS14, Burberry SS14

Skirt, Kymehra.  Top, Kate Spade Saturday.  Shoes, Steve Madden.

On Day 5 I debuted my new stylehaus skirt!  I LOOOOOVE this skirt.  I think it marries classic sensibilities with a modern dose of sex appeal and it's perfect.  It also happens to echo some pretty high-fashion concepts from the Spring 2014 runways!

One of my favorite runway shows for SS14 was Sister by Sibling's London show.  A throwback to 50s/60s style, Sister by Sibling updated vintage silhouettes in modern materials, like fishnet, with grungy styling.  Sheer skirts worn over cute undies were seen at Sister (and at Burberry), and my skirt took the trend and made it wearable (skimpy booty shorts are socially acceptable, undies are not).  I added a striped tee with a high neckline and my go-to black pumps to add some conservative touches to the otherwise revealing outfit.

So what did 5 Days of Skirts teach me about my relationship with High Fashion?  While I may not be wearing genuine high-fashion garments, every look that I put together is inspired by high fashion.  The high fashion world is a bag of tricks that I can pull from when I get dressed ("I love the turtleneck look at Tibi") and supplement with my own personal style ("BUT Tibi's runway was too dark for me").  

A lot of people are quick to mock the more out-of-the-box runway looks (Jimmy Kimmel's piece on Fashion Week was hysterical if a little judgmental), but most of the time they're not meant to be worn literally.  If you want to get inspired to expand your personal style, just look to high fashion.  Style.com is a good place to start; click on the "Fashion Shows" tab and go nuts.  You're welcome.  

5 Days Of Pants

After 5 Days Of Dresses, I wasn't quite ready to commit to another 5 days of baring my legs with skirts...and so began 5 Days Of Pants! Since I had been turning to standard blue jeans during my style rut, I wanted to show myself that it's possible to wear jeans and still look fashion-forward.

Day 1

Top, Topshop.  Jeans, Forever 21.  Purse, Ferragamo.  Shoes, Steve Madden.

On Day 1 of 5 Days Of Pants I actually built the outfit around my top!  I bought this fierce, fuzzy sweater from Topshop in the midst of my dress phase and could not wait to wear it.  I thought the slate gray color would pair really nicely with navy (that color combo is huge for fall!), so I dug around in my closet and came up with these blue plaid jeans from Forever 21.  Since my shirt was so cuddly and...big, a structured navy Ferragamo bag gave the outfit some shape.  I added black heels to bring another nuetral into the mix, and topped it off with a 60s-inspired sphere ring.  I loved this outfit!



Day 2

Jeans, H&M.  Top, Forever 21.  Blazer, Vintage.  Shoes, Sam Edelman.  Hat, Nordstrom.

On Day 2 I ran back to my go-to jeans.  The contrast of something casual with something fancy is always fun, so I decided to pair them with a delicate beaded tank top- very 1920s.  Since I was headed to work, I threw a neutral blazer and nude pumps into the mix, but it still felt a little too plain.  Instead of reaching for a statement necklace or a fun piece of jewelry to jazz it up, I grabbed a baseball hat!  Baseball caps are actually super on-trend this season, and this one gave my outfit the pop that it needed.



Day 3

Shirt, Zara.  Pants, Forever 21.  Shoes, Mi Piaci.

I spent Day 3 changing my license plates, getting a smog check, and sitting at the DMV for 3 hours...so needless to say, I was looking to be comfortable.  I reached for a comfy pair of black ankle pants and a black tee shirt.  Since these pieces were soooo basic, I knew I needed to amp things up with my footwear.  I grabbed purple crystal-embellished brogues that I bought on my trip to New Zealand Fashion Week and called it a day. Purple lipstick instead of my usual red gave the whole look a goth-y vibe.  This is probably the only time you will ever see me with my hair up!

Day 4

Pants, 3.1 Phillip Lim.  Top, Nordstrom.  Necklace, Forever 21.

Day 4 was spent filming a segment on red carpet fashion at work, so I wanted to look polished.  I turned to my wide-leg pants from 3.1 Phillip Lim (I last wore them here), and added a black cropped sweater.  To give some warmth to the black and white look, I chose a wide brown belt with bronze detailing.  Since gold is warm tone (and silver is cool), I knew that my chunky gold chain link necklace would be the perfect accessory.  My shoes didn't matter, because you never saw them under my pant legs, but I wore my highest black heels to make my legs look as long as possible!

Day 5

Top, blazer, and belt, H&M.  Jeans, Naked & Famous.  Clutch, MCM.  Shoes, Steve Madden. Necklace, Topshop.

For Day 5 I was back to jeans, but this time I reached for a pair from Naked & Famous.  This brand seriously makes the perfect jeans:  there's very little stretch, so they keep their shape and wear really well!  When I first got them, they were long and boot cut, but after seeing this street style shot I was inspired to chop them into ankle jeans with a pair of kitchen scissors!  I like the result- they look just a little more chic than the originals.  Turtlenecks are back in style (yay!), and I wore mine under a grey and navy (there's that color combo again...) blazer with the arms pushed up.  A big belt buckle and a statement necklace added some pizzazz, and my MCM clutch served as a pop of (neutral) color.

I didn't have as much fun during 5 Days Of Pants as I did with my dresses, but all in all I'm proud that I pushed myself to take denim and comfy pants to another level.  It just goes to show that you can be comfortable and cool with a little styling!

Stay tuned for 5 Days Of Skirts!!

Five Days of Dresses

I've been in a pretty deep fashion rut.  

Living in Los Angeles was starting to take its toll on my style; I succumbed to the easy, laid-back vibe of the city and could hardly be bothered to dress up the same jeans-and-tee-shirt combo past a pair of high heels.  Balancing my career as a social media coordinator and writer at my day job (read my blogs on stylehaus.com/blog!) with  my own start-up business as a personal shopper leaves little time (and money) for shopping, so my wardrobe hasn't been getting any new action, either.

Finally, something snapped me out of my funk last week!  After reorganizing my closet and selling half of it to Wasteland, I decided to challenge myself. My new "5 Days Of..." challenge means that I spend 5 days wearing one kind of clothing- 5 Days of Dresses, 5 Days of Skirts, etc. in the hopes of reigniting my passion for (my own) fashion.  To ensure that I don't cheat, I'm documenting my challenge on Hell or High Fashion. Here are my 5 Days of Dresses!


Day 1.

Dress, Cynthia Vincet.  Boots, Joie.  Clutch, MCM.  Necklace, Forever 21.

On Day 1, I wanted to make sure that I stayed comfy- the last thing I needed was an uncomfortable dress to make me regret my self-imposed challenge.  I opted for this Cynthia Vincent sweater dress (which I pulled out of the donation pile at the last second) with over-the-knee boots, an oversized MCM clutch, and a chain-link necklace.  I like this look because it's pretty basic, but mixes neutrals in a fun and unexpected way.  There's a fashion rule in place that says, "Don't mix black and brown."  But breaking the rules is fun, and I think it works!


Day 2.

Shirt, DVF.  Overalls, Forever 21.  Shoes, J Crew.  Bracelets, Vintage & Forever 21.

On Day 2, things got a little more playful.  I pulled this short sleeved sweater (I love the flower applique detail on the sleeves) and overall dress out of my "Tailoring" pile and got to work-- I was able to fix the flaws on both of these pieces with my limited sewing skills, saving myself a trip to the tailor.  Excited to have them back in rotation, I wore them together and added heeled loafers and a few gold bangles!



Day 3.

Dress, H&M.  Jacket, Forever 21.  Bag, Betsey Johnson.  Belt, Vintage.  Shoes, Sam Edelman.

By Day 3 I was back to my old self, accentuating my waistline and piling on the accessories!  I hadn't worn this dress in almost a year (it was my Thanksgiving 2012 dress), and it was about time it got some love.  A cute keyhole-detailed belt in navy cinched my waist, and a bomber jacket thrown over my shoulders provided a trendy touch (check out my article on the over-the-shoulder trend here).  Nude pumps and a bulldog-boasting Betsey Johnson bag were ladylike finishing touches!


Day 4:

Dress, Topshop.  Sweater and boots, Forever 21.  Bangles, Jewelmint.  Bag, Will Leather Goods.

Dress, Forever 21.  Shoes, Target.  Necklace, Topshop.

On Day 4 I went back to my laid-back comfort zone, but managed to make it work with a dress!  Slip dresses, like this one from Topshop, are ideal for feminine but comfortable outfits; they look chic but feel like pajamas!  A chunky cardigan kept me warm, and chunky black and gold boots were a masculine contrast to the feminine leopard print.

I changed into this LBD for a whiskey tasting date night with my man, and accessorized with leopard pumps and a lucite statement necklace.  Simple but perfect for a night out on the town!

Day 5:

Dress, DVF.  Shoes, Topshop.  Bag, Forever 21.

Day 5 brought me to the end of my 5 Days Of Dresses challenge, so I celebrated my success with my favorite Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress!  This dress is a go-to for me: it's taken me from job interviews to first dates to styling gigs and it's never let me down. When I wear it I feel flirty, feminine, and strong- there's no stopping me in my DVF!  I paired it with floral pumps from Topshop, a ladylike bag, and a tiny beetle pin on my lapel.


So there you have it...I'm slowly but surely climbing out of my style rut.  Next week, I'll show you guys how I inject style into printed pants and dressy slacks in 5 Days Of Pants!

Do you have any suggestions?  What should I do 5 Days Of next?

A Bug's Life

Shirt, Gap.  Sweater & jeans, H&M.  Shoes, DVF.  Necklace, Alexis Bittar.  Hat, F21.

I love bugs.  I don't necessarily care for the real-life kind, but put a cartoon crawler or sparkly spider on literally any type of apparel and I'll buy it!  This obsession has led to more bug-printed clothing, shoes, rings, and brooches than I can count on my hands and feet- and I still can't stop!  This ladybug purse, these spider sandals, and these eight-legged earrings are all at the top of my "Buy" list.   I'm going to make such a great eccentric old cat lady someday!

 

While my wildlife wardrobe will of course look amazing at 80, I don't want to give off that "old lady" vibe just yet.  One of my constant challenges is wearing something that is seen as eccentric and old and making it young, hip, and fresh. 

I last wore this ladybug button down for my feature on KMS California UK's style website, RealStyleInspiration.com.  (You can read that article here!)  The shirt is pretty detailed: it's called the "Shrunken Boyfriend" fit (my favorite style from the Gap- I have about 3 different prints in this cut!) so it's a longer and looser than most dress shirts, and it's covered in pink and red cartoon critters. 

 

A tiny, all-over print on a white background tends to be less than flattering- white is somewhat widening, and a tiny print can make it seem like your body has a lot of surface space to cover- so I took care of that potential problem by throwing a sweater on top!  This ensures that the fun print gets shown off at the collar and tails, but a solid sweater offers a bit more shape.

 

Because one bug is never enough, I added my favorite Alexis Bittar scarab necklace to the mix!  This necklace is really special to me- I worked at Alexis Bittar for a long time and pined over this piece almost every day.  It was the most expensive piece in the whole collection though, and at $900 I knew I could never call it my own.   But as luck would have it, I landed my first paying modeling gig with KMS California when there was just one of these babies left in the store!  I used some of my earnings (coupled with a very generous employee discount) to treat myself.  Now this scarab piece will always remind me of that great experience- I'm so glad I indulged!!

 

 

To keep the knit sweater/bug combo fresh and fun, I added a slouchy pair of boyfriend jeans on bottom.  This low-riding, relaxed fit screams "trendy and young", which is just what I needed to balance out my octogenarian tendencies!  A very hipster bowler hat and the sexiest stilleto sandals I own reinforced the "hip twentysomething" idea, keeping my look balanced and age-approriate.

 

 

Fashion Tips from "A Bug's Life":

 

1.  Collect what you love, even if it's weird!  Do you have a strange obsession with a certain style or print?  Let yourself go crazy with it from time to time if it makes you happy!  Skull-printed pieces are everywhere right now- if that's your  print of choice, limit yourself to one or two pieces per outfit.  A skeleton scarf paired with skull stud earrings is chic when balanced out with classic neutrals; a skull scarf on top of a skull dress with skull jewelry is too much. 

 

2.  Act your age.  I really do believe that anyone of any age can rock any style trend, but you have to adapt it to your particular situation.  Of course a man in his 40s should wear skinny jeans if he wants to-- paired with a sleek button down and blazer (as opposed to a casual screened tee), skinnies can be totally age-appropriate! 

 

For us girls, playsuits and overalls are HUGE right now.  To avoid looking like a preschooler at the park, skip the socks & sneakers and try pairing your overalls with chunky heels.  Make it work!

 

3.  Treat yourself.  As fully grown adults, investing in clothing and accessories is a great idea (you know you're not going to grow out of it in a year!).  I've begun adding special pieces to my closet to commemorate big events in my life: I'll look back on my first modeling job every time I wear my Alexis Bittar necklace and be proud of the work I did.  I indulged in classic Prada heels for my college graduation, and now whenever I put them on I wear them with a sense of accomplishment. 

 

So buy yourself that classic leather wallet with your first paycheck from a new job, or celebrate a big birthday with a sleek pair of cufflinks.  You'll be reminded of the best times in your life when you wear them, and that sense of confidence is the best accessory!

 

I'm starting an in-between-blogs Instagram feature called "StyleSnaps" this week- little screen shots of outfit details that don't make it to Hell or High Fashion.  Follow me on Instagram @jdefino for more style updates!



Grin and Bare It

Jacket, AG.  Top, Forever 21.  Skirt, American Apparel.  Shoes, Zara.  Bag, Vintage.

It's definitely started to feel like Spring here in LA!  The days are longer and the temperature has been sitting pretty in the 70s for a few weeks now.  My extensive collection of little sundresses gives me a lot of great outfits to choose from, but they can get boring after a while.  Normally a one-piece, quick and easy dress devotee, I've been playing with separates more and more to create a unique Spring/Summer look.

One common complaint from my personal shopping clients is, "I don't know what to wear during the summer months."  The heat really seems to mess with people- I'm constantly hearing "It's too hot to put in effort!" or "I didn't have the energy to look further than a tank and cut-offs".  Hot weather isn't an excuse to forget about fashion- it IS a great excuse to challenge yourself though!

Head scarf, American Apparel.  Earrings, Forever 21.

This season, I've been focusing on creating a wardrobe of fun mix-and-match pieces that can be combined in infinite ways.  In fact, I haven't bought a dress in quite a while!  Crop tops, long printed skirts, and bright cardis and blazers have taken over my wardrobe.  With so many options, I'm guaranteeing that I'll never feel bored with Spring/Summer fashion again.

One of my favorite finds so far is this fun midi-length skirt from American Apparel.  This style is 50% off right now and available in tons of different colors, so go scoop one up now while you can!  "Midi" skirts (also known as "tea length") are really having a moment right now.  Because the length is so conservative, you can really have fun with color, print, and the other pieces you pair it with. 

I took that conservative/wild approach and paired my long, high-waisted skirt with a cute little cropped top!  I picked up this gem from Forever 21 last summer (with high-waisted short shorts to match) and it's been waiting for the perfect outfit to come along ever since.  I feel OK about baring my midriff to the world in this look because I'm covered up everywhere else!  I wouldn't dream of wearing a belly-baring shirt with a mini skirt or even with tight pants- a balance of tight/loose or short/long is what keeps a daring outfit classy.

That being said, sometimes the sun got a little too hot to handle in this jacket!

The 50s/60s flair of this look inspired me to do something a little different with my hair!  I grabbed a head wrap from American Apparel and channeled Brigitte Bardot in this iconic pic:

A little straw basket purse and mod floral earrings tied everything together for a classic but funky way to handle the spring heat! 

Fashion Tips from "Grin and Bare It":

1.  The weather is no excuse for sloppy dressing.  Cooler days give you the opportunity to experiment with layering, and hotter days should challenge you to come up with fun, unexpected combinations that won't weigh you down.  Jewelry and shoes are great ways to add more "oomph" to your summer look: you can wear your traditional summer uniform of short shorts and a tank, but elevate them with bright layered jewels or funky wedge sandals. 

2.  This season is the season to bare it!  Cropped tops and underwear-as-outerwear are huge in the fashion world, so there are plenty of options for you to try out.  Just remember that when you decide to show off one part of your body, you should conceal another- that sense of "peek-a-boo" keeps your look mysterious and classy instead of party-girl crazy.

3.  Separates are the best way to punch up your wardrobe.  While dresses are fun and easy, they don't offer as much variety as separate pieces do.  Have at least one bright shirt, one striped shirt, and one floral shirt in your wardrobe to pair with different colored jeans, printed shorts, and fun skirts- you'll never run out of options!

Now that we've covered warm weather wardrobes, what other common complaints do you have?  I'd love to help!

Black Tie Optional

Top, 3.1 Phillip Lim.  Jeans, H&M.  Belt, Zara.  Bag, Ferragamo.  Shoes, Reed Krakoff.

 Never before have I been so interested in the idea of menswear as womenswear.  For most of my life I've leaned towards girlier pieces and feminine shapes, but the past few months have marked a transitional phase in my fashion focus.  Starting with this outfit that relaunched my blog after a months-long hiatus, I've begun to appreciate the contrast and depth that a masculine touch can bring to an outfit.  This casual tuxedo look brings a few of my favorite menswear-inspired pieces together!

 

 

Following a huge closet purge, I created a shopping list for myself.  This list includes items I need as basics in my wardrobe, newer trendy pieces to update my look, and even out-there ideas that I want to try out.  Working from this list keeps me on-track when I'm shopping; hopefully it will keep me from filling up my closet (again) with pieces that I wear a few times and forget about!  A tuxedo-printed sweatshirt from Wildfox was at the top of my list, but it sold out before I could buy it.  When I found this 3.1 Philip Lim top burried in the racks of Wasteland I knew it belonged in my closet: it was super cute, super affordable, and on my new shopping list!

 

I love the exaggerated tuxedo details, executed in feminine silks with ruffle details.  This top incorporates the standard menswear concepts but keeps the overall look totally femme- the floppy organza bow is my favorite! 

 

 

I gave this somewhat-flowy top a little bit of shape by tucking it into my newest pair of jeans.  This boyfriend cut is my new favorite closet staple; I love how the relaxed fit and color give a casual feel to even my fanciest tops and shmanciest high heels. 

 

While heels are usually a no-brainer for me, I chose to rock my favorite black ballet flats with this outfit instead.  The classic, no-fuss vibe of a traditional ballet flat just felt right- plus these shoes never get the attention the deserve!  I love how the bow detailing on these shoes pairs back to the bow on my shirt.  As I've said again and again, it's the littlest details that make the look!

 

A classic Ferragamo bag threw yet another bow into the mix, and a men's belt from Zara streamlined my shape a little more.

 

 

Fashion Tips from "Black Tie Optional":

 

1.  To avoid have a closet full of spontaneous purchases that don't really have a lasting place in your wardrobe, keep a running list of fashion wants and needs.  Do you wish you had a colorful cardigan everytime you reach for a sundress and the weather isn't cooperating?  Throw it on the list! Is your favorite pair of jeans on the way out but you can't bear to part with them?  Add a pair to your list- once you have a new version, it'll be easier to toss the old.

 

If you have no idea what your closet is aching for, ask me!  I offer this service and many others as a personal shopper- see jessicadefinostyle.com for more info.

 

2.  The mix of masculine and feminine, fancy and casual, or high and low can add a certain "je ne sais quoi" to your style.  Opposites attract- so try those denim cutoffs with a floaty silk top, or (for the male readers) an untucked button down, bow tie, and colorful shorts. 

 

3.  Keeping a running theme in your head-to-toe look is fun!  If your dress has a bow-shaped belt, add a bow to your hair in a different color and size to "tie" it all together (get it??)!  Try denim sneakers with your jeans, a leather jacket with leather boots, or different colored stripes in one outfit. 

 

 

What's at the top of your shopping list??



Reader Request: Beyond Basics

After my last post, I received a reader request for a tutorial on dressing up jeans and a tee shirt. While I try not to post “basic” outfits (I don’t want to bore you guys!), the truth is I spend a few days a week wearing a version of the classic American uniform of jeans and a tee. I turn to this combo when I want to be comfortable, but I hate the feeling of blending in with everybody else. I’ve figured out a few ways to dress up my plain jeans and tee shirts to keep my look fashion-forward, and now I’ll pass those tricks on to you!

 

Jeans, Forever 21.  Shirt and blazer, H&M.  Shoes, Zara.  Ring, Kirna ZabetexTarget.

Step 1: Invest in a few pairs of interesting jeans. My favorite pair has a“boyfriend” fit, a light wash, and a few rips and tears. I know I can wear these with almost anything basic on top and still feel pretty cool, since the built-in features of the pant give my look a little edge. Wearing a pair of printed jeans (like these) is a great idea- they’re just as easy to pull on in the morning as your basics, but you’ll be on the next sartorial level. This works for colored jeans too-try a bright blue wash in place of denim for a style upgrade that doesn’t venture too far out of your comfort zone.

 

Step 2: Add print! My favorite print to play with right now is a good old fashion stripe. Stripes are so classic and have made their mark on almost every style movement in history. The slouchy black and white tank I’m wearing here has a punky/jailbird vibe, but the navy and cream bateau stripe I chose for the outfit below is preppy and Hepburn-esque. It’s easy to find a stripe pattern to fit your mood, and they’re guaranteed to give your plain jeans a little extra punch.


Jeans and tee, Forever 21.  Blazer, HM.  Shoes, Prada.  Ring, Alexis Bittar.

Step 3: Add color! As you can tell from going through my recent blog posts, I’m a little obsessed with yellow right now. I get the most compliments when I’m wearing yellow or blue, because these colors attract light and tend to make pale skin glow. Brights also send out a “happy” vibe that can actually improve your mood and the moods of those around you… who wouldn’t want that?? So next time you throw on your go-to jeans/tee, try adding a bright jacket or blazer and see what a difference it makes!

Step 4: Shoes, shoes, shoes. It’s all about the shoes. Maybe you don’t have time to put effort into an interesting outfit, but I’m sure you have time to throw on the coolest pair of shoes in your closet! Basic denim is the perfect backdrop for a crazy-fancy pair of shoes- that mix of casual and opulent is unexpected and fun, and can really elevate your look. Why wait until you have an “occasion” to wear your fancy footwear? Treat every day a special occasion and break out of the boring jeans/tee/sneakers mold! Gentlemen: this tip isn’t only for the high-heel wearing ladies. Try a pair of pumped-up high-tops or a snazzy pair of wingtips instead of your usual fare.

 

Jeans, Forever 21.  Shirt, The Row. Shoes, Urban.  Necklace, ADRxHM.  Belt, Zara.

Step 5: Accessorize. I love a good statement necklace! This amazing crocodile sparkler lounging around my neck would’ve been overshadowed had I worn a more interesting outfit, so a plain white tee and jeans was the best option for showcasing my little pet. I wore this look to work the other day and actually got complimented by a contributor at Lucky magazine- she said she loved how I paired such an elegant piece with a slouchy tee! So there you have it folks, Lucky magazine agrees with me. This “statement jewelry”effect can be achieved in a few different ways: a stack of bangles up to your elbow, or a huge pair of dangling earrings paired with a slicked-back hairdo. Guys are no exception to the rule- add an oversized watch of even a flat-brimmed hat to amp up your jeans.

 

Finishing Touch: cuff it! I love to roll the bottoms of my jeans up into a little cuff- it just gives your look a little something extra. All the more interesting if you have a fun argyle sock to show off!

So there you have it- by putting even 1 of these 5 steps in to practice you’re sure to feel anything but boring in your basics. I’m loving these requests, so keep ‘em coming! What should I post about next?

Superstar

Top and pants, Forever 21.  Shoes, Urban Outfitters.  Ring, Marc by Marc Jacobs.  Bangles, H&M.

 

Yves Saint Laurent once said, "Fashions fade.  Style is eternal."  To me, true style is present when how you look is the physical embodiment of who you are as a person.  When your style is true to who you are, it will be relevant through seasons and seasons of fashion trends.  You can have impeccable style if you only shop hand-me-downs from Goodwill; you can have style if you're decked out in the latest runway trends.  What matters is that you're wearing pieces that you have a personal connection to!  Keeping this in mind, I've been able to find inspiration in some pretty untraditional style icons.

 

 

Peggy Bundy, untraditional icon.

 

I remember the day a coworker told me my fashion sense reminded her of Peggy Bundy: I didn't know whether to be offended or proud.  After some thought, I decided I was proud to emulate Peggy- because she definitely had a look that was all her own!

 

As the wife on 80-90s television series Married With Children, Peggy Bundy lived a normal life in the suburbs with her husband and kids, but she never dressed the part.  She knew she was more fabulous than her surroundings and never succumbed to boring "mom" fashions.  From one look at Peggy you can tell what kind of person she is:  strong, proud, glamorous, and she certainly doesn't take any shit!  She celebrates every curve on her body unapologetically, which is such a refreshing break from today's stick-thin style icons.   Her particular "fashions" have faded, but her style and message live on.

 

 

Taking a look out of Peggy's book, I decided to show off my hourglass shape with some serious color and print! 

 

To me, this look is all about balance:  I wore a busy print on the bottom, so I wanted to make sure to have a solid color on top.  Since my outfit was pretty skintight, I made sure my cleavage was under wraps.  The mix of bright color and bold pattern is attention-grabbing, so plain black heels grounded the outfit. 

 

 

This balance is what makes the outfit more "Jessica DeFino" (that's me) than "Peggy Bundy." While she never cared for balancing out her wardrobe (everything was tight, low cut, bright, and printed!), this balance is one of the signature marks of my own personal style.   I think my message is pretty similar to hers though: this look says I'm fun, confident, comfortable with myself, and not afraid to be bold!  Plus, wearing yellow with my red lipstick  always makes me feel like Wonder Woman so I had an extra boost of bad-ass attitude :)

 

Fashion Tips from "Superstar":

 

1.  Realize that to others, your style is a visual representation of who you are.  Ask yourself if your look sends out the message you want to send to the world.  Ill-fitting jeans and a worn-out tee say that you don't care enough about yourself to wear clothes that fit properly; a short skirt and belly shirt say that you can't be taken seriously.  Make sure you're saying what you need to say!  And if you're not, you can ask me for help :)

 

2.  I've said it a thousand times: balance is SO important.  If you love to wear short skirts, don't pair them with cleavage-baring tops- or at least throw a fun blazer over the outfit for a sassy way to cover up!  Men can practice their balancing act on nights out by pairing a button-down/tie combo with jeans instead of dress pants- it will keep your look in "business casual" territory without feeling too stuffy!

 

3.  Find your power color(s) and consistently work them into your wardrobe!  Nothing can stand in my way when I'm wearing red or yellow- I just feel 10x more confident- so I wear my power color in the form of red lipstick everyday.  Find little ways to incorportate your colors into your everyday wardrobe: a fun hat, a statement necklace, a pair of bold sneakers.  You'll walk around with a little extra swag in your step, guaranteed!

 

Fringe Benefits

Vest, H&M.  Shirt and shoes, Target.  Pants, Zara.  Necklace, F21.

This weekend was one of the best weekends I've ever had!  My man and I decided to celebrate our 2 year anniversary with a trip to San Diego, and I could not have had a better time!  I kept meaning to snap blog pictures while we were out and about, but we were having too much fun to remember until our last day in town.  I hadn't planned on blogging this outfit, but my western-themed getup perfectly matched the Old Town San Diego surroundings and I couldn't resist posing for a few shots.

 

 

 

I thew this outfit into my suitcase at the last minute just to have a more casual option with me, and I'm glad I did.  It ended up being the perfect thing to wear to Old Town, a little town in SD that seems to have stopped time in the 1860s.

 

I really love the mix of textures in this outfit.  Denim and leather are SO classic together: think James Dean in his dungarees and leather jacket, or even cowboys in denim and leather chaps.  But I feel like this outfit manages to mix the two in a fresh way, which is always a good thing!  This look feels basic and familiar, but definitely not run-of-the-mill. 

 

A chambray (lightweight, plain-weave denim) shirt is a classic that should be in every wardrobe.  I only recently added one to my collection, and I've worn it a ton ever since!  Mixing it with contrasting denim jeans is a fun and on-trend look, and putting one under a blazer is office-appropriate and fresh.  Here, I opted to mix mine with leather-look leggings and a leather vest for a classic, edgy vibe.

 

 

 

A fringe-filled necklace served as the piece-de-resistance: it tied together all the western elements and brought an "Urban Cowgirl" feel to these seperates. 

 

One of my favorite fashion tricks lately has been mixing a short statement necklace with a classic collared button-down.  As you can see here, having such a sparkler at your neck brings all the attention up towards your face- and who doesn't want that?   It's also a feminine and badass way to take the stuffiness out of a buttoned up collared shirt.

 

 

 

I added my classic black Mary-Janes to finish it off.  These shoes have a chunky heel, so even though they're 4 inches high I feel totally supported.  For girls who want to try to wear heels but are scared of hobbling around, find the thickest heels you can.  I guarentee you'll be able to walk in them!

 

 

Fashion Tips from "Fringe Benefits":

 

1.  Casual doesn't have to mean sloppy.  There are so many comfy yet pulled-together options out there now: leggings that have a leather coating, soft denim button downs, and even tailored sweatpants and lace sweatshirts!  Having a few pieces like this in your arsenal will ensure that you look sharp even on your shlubby days.

 

2.  You can't go wrong wearing classics with a twist.  A crisp white button down?  Classic.  Pinning a quirky brooch (like this one from ASOS) on the lapel?  Twist!  For guys:  Wearing a sports coat over a tee shirt is classic.  Now add a hoodie in between the two and you've got your twist!

 

3.  Are you mostly a flats girl but looking to branch out?  Short, chunky heels are huge this season.  Try a pair like this to kickstart your new high-heel obsession!

 

 

\

I received a reader request for a makeup tutorial, so I'm going to tackle that with my next post- it's going to be about all the little extras (makeup, hair, mustaches & beards) that take a look to the next level!  Anything you'd like me to focus on?  Let me know!