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.  

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?

Wedding Belle

Dress, Zara.  Jacket & Clutch, H&M.  Shoes, Beauty Heel.

 

This weekend I attended a wedding for the first time since I was about 10.  Getting ready posed a challenge: having never been to a wedding as an adult, did I own anything wedding-appropriate?  I enlisted the help of my friend Annika (who's in the midst of planning her own wedding) and got some really helpful tips: absolutely no white dresses and no black dresses!  A trip through my closet proved unsuccessful- I am the queen of the little black dress.  Everything else I owned seemed to be just a tad off: either it felt too skimpy and revealing or it was too crazy and "look at me!" to wear to a wedding.  I was glad for the excuse to go shopping!

 

 

I knew I wanted to take my outfit in a bright neon direction.  I've been super into yellows and oranges for the past few weeks and just recieved these citrus-hued heels in the mail from HauteLook.com that were begging to be worn.  When I came across this fluorescent floral dress in Zara I had to say, "I do!"  Even though it boasts bouquets of neon roses, the black and white patterned base of the dress serves to quiet the loud colors.

 

To keep the look wedding-appropriate, I knew I needed a jacket or sweater to throw on top.  Matching a black, pink, or orange cardigan would've been too obvious, so I decided to riff off of the black and white base of the dress and came up with the idea to rock a patterned tweed jacket.  I found this topper in H&M and fell in love with its little details.  The unique collar, epauletted shoulders, and zipper trim on the sleeves keep things interesting.  I love that this jacket kind of matches the dress...but also kind of doesn't.  That unexpectedness is what makes fashion fun for me!

 

Ring, vintage.  Bracelet, F21.  Bag, H&M.  Nail color, American Apparel.

Now, for the add-ons!  I had so much fun playing around with color here.  Again, the basic black-and-white base and jacket gave me a great jumping-off point: adding little colorful touches didn't overwhelm the look, because the neutral-to-bright proportion was always favoring neutrals.  Neon yellow nails paired with a vintage purple cocktail ring looked picture-perfect with the pop of green on my clutch.  I added a simple silver chain link bracelet to the mix too!

 

My new favorite shoes and matching orange lips were the finishing touches, and voila!:  a wedding-appropriate outfit that doesn't sacrifice personal style.

 

 

Fashion Tips from "Wedding Belle":

 

1.  Dress to the occasion, but there's no need to sacrifice your personal style in the process!  This suggestion directly applies to the men out there:  if you're not a suit-and-tie guy, on dressier occasions you can be stuck wearing something you feel super uncomfortable in all night.  Make a personal statment with your suit to make dressing up fun:  keep your dress shirt untucked and add a pair of fresh sneakers to your suit, or try a funky bow tie instead of the traditional skinny tie.  Fun belt buckles, pocket squares, and different colored pants and jackets are some other ways to keep your suit from feel stuffy.

 

2.  When mixing bright colors, make sure you add a healthy dose of neutral tones as well.  Piling on layers of neons can go wrong really quickly- you can end up looking childlike or just plain tacky.  My mix of yellow, orange, pink, purple, and green isn't overkill because black and white are the main events in this outfit.  Try pairing white sundress with a bright belt and sandals, or adding a yellow tie to a black-and-white suit look.  For another example, check out this post from a few months back.

 

3.  Don't always go for the obvious choice.  Sure, a pencil skirt and button down shirt are a great basic combo- but if you look past the traditional choices, you'll find tons of head-turning options!  Wear that same pencil skirt with a tucked-in tee and denim jacket, or try it with an oversized tank and leather vest.  These unexpected ideas will have people ogling your one-of-a-kind style.

 

 

How do you feel about this Spring's neon trend?  Will you be using these tips to create the perfect colorful combo?

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?

Spring Forward

Dress, Betsey Johnson.  Jacet and shoes, F21.  Bag, H&M.  Sunnies, Urban Outfitters.  Ring, Alexis Bittar.

Tomorrow starts the first day of Spring!  Spring is traditionally a time for renewal and new beginnings, and this yearly fresh start is coinciding perfectly with my personal life!  I definitely feel as if things are changing for the better, and this enthusiasm for what's ahead is influencing my wardrobe.  2012 had some rough patches and I adopted a tougher, edgier wardrobe as a sort of armor.  With all the amazing things that 2013 has brought me, I find myself reaching for bright colors and feminine prints to show off my lighter side.

 

I last wore this Betsey Johnson dress on this blog almost 2 years ago, for my college graduation.  A lot has happened between 2011 and 2013, but classic style still reigns!  A dress like this will never seem outdated or "so two seasons ago" because the cut is simple and the floral print is timeless.  While I love a crazy trendy piece from time to time, I mostly shop with this classic simplicity in mind- I don't want to have to revamp my entire wardrobe when the trends change. 

 

 

That being said, it's a lot of fun to amp up classic pieces with trendy touches!  Members-only jackets have been huge for a few seasons now, and you can find a cool one at pretty much any price point.  There are some amazing leather versions out there (like this one) that can get pricey, but mine was a $25 find at Forever 21.  The casual feel of the maroon/navy jacket toned down my fancy florals and brought it back to weekend territory.  I felt like a super-cool 50s chick rocking her boyfriend's varsity jacket all day!

 

 

 

Another huge trend right now is print-mixing.  I put that fashion-forward idea into practice here with the mix of my floral pumps and rose-printed dress.   These light blue/pink silk shoes are a dulled-down floral, so I didn't feel like they were competing for attention with my dress. 

 

When mixing patterns, I have a couple rules I try to follow. One: make sure there is a common thread.  For example, the two prints I wore here are both florals.  That common thread means I can play with color (blue shoes/red dress).  Another way to do it would be to have a common color.  If I wanted to mix stripes and polka dots, I'd try to have them both based in the same color family.  And number two: add a solid piece to the mix.  Here, I added a strong solid-colored jacket to break up my all-over pattern.  If you're trying out a patterned skirt and shirt combo, make sure your shoes are one solid complimentary color and you'll be fine!

 

 

I added a few fun extras, like these floral-framed sunnies from Urban Outfitters and my favorite scarab ring from Alexis Bittar. 

 

Fashion Tips from "Spring Forward":

 

1.  Invest in classic pieces and don't spend too much on trendy items.  This dress (which has already lasted me 2 years) was a big fashion splurge- I spent around $300 on it (don't judge me!).  Clearly it was worth the price because I wore it consistently for 2 years, and I can see myself wearing it as an eccentric old woman too!  Fads like varsity jackets or crazy printed shoes probably won't stand the test of time, so it's wise to buy these items at budget-friendly prices.  The quality of the cheaper garments won't be great, but when you're only going to wear it for a season or two anyway, who cares?

 

2.  When trying out a new trend, don't go overboard- try pairing a trendy piece with a classic counterpart.  If you're drawn to the neon jeans look, wear them with a classic white buttondown. This mix will keep you from looking like a fashion victim! 

 

3.  Revisit pieces in the back of your closet that you may have forgotten about.  Maybe your own graduation dress would look great with a jean jacket, or (for the men out there) the tie you wore to senior prom could be a great way to dress up a button-down and skinny jeans. 

 

 

Don't forget that Spring also means it's time for Spring Cleaning- the perfect time to clean out your closet and get a fresh fashion start!  Don't know what to keep, what to toss, and what to tailor for a more modern fit?  I absolutely love rummaging through someone else's closet and helping them through that process, and a "closet consultation" is one of my featured services as a personal shopper.  I've recently launched my styling/personal shopping website- jessicadefinostyle.com.  Contact me there if you'd like a consultation or any other services I offer- if you mention that you're a Hell or High Fashion reader, you'll get 20% off the listed price :)

 



Gingham Style

Jacket, AG.  Dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs.  Shoes, Aldo.  Bag, H&M.

This morning, I narrowly avoided a disaterous situation.  While I'm supposed to wake up at 5:30am to get ready for work, today I opened my eyes at 6:42 and had a mini nervous breakdown- only 18 minutes to get ready, get dressed, and get to work!!  It may seem impossible, but I am happy to report that I made it to work by 7:03am thanks in part to some dangerous/skillfull driving, a pre-made breakfast and lunch, and this handly little outfit!

 

I first wore this combo out to the flea market last Sunday and it served me well (that's when I snapped these pics by the way).  Knowing an easy, breezy outfit was within arm's reach in my closet helped calm my nerves when I was brushing my teeth and brushing my hair at the same time!!
 

 

 

I hate to call it a "New Years Resolution", but since the beginning of January I've been going to a fitness boot camp a few times a week!  As someone who's never really worked out a day in her life, this lifestyle change has been fun but challenging.  To stay motivated, I've come up with a reward system for myself: progress = new clothes!  After 3 weeks of going to boot camp 3x/week, I treated myself to this fabulous gingham printed Marc by Marc Jacobs dress via Wasteland. 

I loved the mix of colors: the pink/maroon/sky blue/navy blue combination makes this piece ideal for any season.  For a summery twist I paired it with bright pink pumps and a denim jacket, but it could just as easily be worn with maroon tights and big brown boots for colder weather! 

There are so many little details in this dress that I just love:  the sleeves tie up into bows and can adjust to any length- so no tailoring needed even if you're super short or super tall!  The accordian pleating on the pockets adds a girly touch, and the cute buttons at the bust break up the busy pattern. 

My cropped denim jacket has become a wardrobe staple and I'm now a firm believer that every girl needs a short overpiece in their closet!  Since my AG denim topper ends at my waistline, it doesn't ruin the hourglass shape that this Marc by Marc dress creates.  If I had chosen a blazer that ended at my hips or an oversized flowy sweater, my figure would get lost and the ultimate effect would be frumpy. 

 

A purse in a contrasting print serves as another way to break up the all-over plaid look, and a quirky fly brooch from H&M was the finishing touch!

Fashion Tips from "Gingham Style":

1.  Have a few easy outfits on-hand for those days when you wake up late, feel like you have "nothing to wear", or just don't feel like getting dressed.  Knowing that I could throw this combo on and go was a huge relief admist the stress of my late morning!  A sundress + blazer set or a loose top + fitted pants combo usually works for any and all occasions.

2.  Ladies, get your hands on a cropped jacket!  A short denim style or a shrunken pea coat will provide figure-flattering warmth- no need to sacrifice fashion just becasue you're freezing!

3.  Wearing an all-over print is tricky because a bold print has the potential to steal the spotlight away from you. To make sure people still notice YOU before they notice your clothes, find ways to break up a busy pattern.  A cross-body bag (like mine here) breaks a print into smaller pieces, while a solid jacket or belt will tone it down as well. 

4.  Do you have seperate summer and winter wardrobes?  I bet if you take a second look you can make some of your clothing work double-duty!  Try out a "summer" dress with thick tights and a blazer, or try an oversized "winter" sweater with cutoff denim shorts.  You might find you have more options than you think you do!

I'll leave you with some silly pictures of me attempting to capture a spin on camera.

Laced Up

Top, F21.  Dress, Jill Stuart.  Tights and shoes, Urban Outfitters.

This Thanksgiving, I took a little vacation from Los Angeles and a little vacation from blogging!  I spent a week in upstate New York relaxing, eating, playing Charades, and exploring Syracuse.  Traveling from LA to Syracuse required a lot of outfit planning and I had a rough time whittling my wardrobe down to a week's worth of essentails.  But I had an idea of what kind of activities I'd be doing, what kind of weather I'd be experiencing, and how much I'd be eating (I had to bring lots of stretchy pants!), so I packed my suitcase accordingly.

 

Here's how I made my final selections:  I tried on some cold-weather looks, took pictures of my favorites, and set out to pack based on those photos.  Seeing the outfit laid out head-to-toe in front of me (shoes, jewelry, bags, etc included!) ensured that I didn't forget anything back home. 

 

Of course once I got to Syracuse and didn't have my extensive closet at my disposal every morning, I panicked.  (Side note: I was meeting 20 members of my boyfriend's extended family, so that's why I was extra focused on dressing to impress!)  That panic led me to mix-and-match my preplanned outfits in new and creative ways, and I came up with this little number!

 

 

 

After eating a week's worth of Thanksgiving treats in just a few days, I was worried that some of the looks I brought with me might not be full-stomach-friendly.  This Jill Stuart dress was the perfect dress to over-eat in:  it fits tight around my waist but balloons out over my tummy and hips. I had already worn it early on in the trip, though, and didn't want to repeat outfits!  To switch it up, I stole this lace top from another outfit and layered it underneath.  I was so glad to have packed such versatile pieces, and I'm going to make sure I pack clothes that can work double-duty on my next trips!

 

Here were my orginal looks:

 

Dress, Jill Stuart.  Jacket, F21.

Top and Jeans, F21.  Boots, H&M.  Belt, Zara.

 

Fashion Tips from "Laced Up":

 

1.  If you're packing for a long trip and are worried about how to choose outfits, start planning early!  Taking photos of your outfits beforehand and packing from a visual really takes some of the pressure off.

 

2.  Think of new ways to wear old pieces.  Maybe you've bought a top to go with a specific pair of pants, but explore how else it can be worn.  It could look amazing layered over a minidress!

 

3.  Having an "I have nothing to wear" day?  Turn that panic into productivity!  Open yourself up to new creative possibilites and I'm sure you'll find that you do, in fact, have something to wear.

 

But the biggest lesson I learned this Thanksgiving week is that who you are is more important than what you wear.  I had the most amazing time with my man and his family, and they loved me even when I had to change into my shlubby sweatpants after stuffing myself with stuffing! 

 

 It sure was nice to hear them ooh and ahh over my outfits every morning, though- and that makes the time I spend getting dressed up so worth it!

   

 

 

 



Comfy Cozy

Jacket, vintage.  Dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs.  Clutch, F21.  Boots, Joie.

There is a common misconception that fashion = pain.  This feeling is justified in some cases; high heels generally aren't the most comfortable things, and the torture devices known as Spanx have become a necessity due to the popularity of bodycon dressing.  But fashion doesn't have to hurt! 

It's so easy to slip into sweats and a tee-shirt on days off, but I knew I could find an outfit that was comfortable, cozy, AND chic to wear on my day off this week.  Enter the tent dress!

I found this Marc by Marc Jacobs dress at Wasteland a long time ago.  I almost didn't bother trying it on- even though I loved it, this dress is a size XS (which I definitely am not). I convinced myself that it could work anyway, and I was so happy that it did!  

 The dress has two layers: a plain black slipdress topped with a lacey purple overlay.  This doubled-up feature creates a lot of texture, so the piece looks styled even though I just threw it on.  Just as comfy as sweats!

While I find a swingy tent dress to be comfy, I don't necessarily think this style flatters my body.  To balance out the volume of my dress, I chose a boxy vintage jacket.  The bottom of the jacket skims the top of my hips, creating a slimmer shape amidst the billowy layers.  To top it off, the fur collar kept me cozy and warm while I was running errands! 

I love that the jacket added two more textures to the look:  I mixed silk, lace, fur, and a woven fabric.  To throw a few more into the mix, I added over-the-knee leather boots and a faux leather/suede clutch.  Texture is an oft overlooked way of adding intrigue to an outfit.  As an example,  you could be wearing head-to-toe black but if you've mixed monochrome leather, lace, and denim your look is on a whole other level!

Here's an up-close look at my texture details:

Fashion Tips from "Comfy Cozy":

1.  Challenge yourself to find comfortable ways of dressing that still feel fashionable.  When you feel good, you get more done- it's a fact! 

2.  If you're shopping and you find something you love, try it on!  Even if your mind tells you that it's the wrong size or it won't be flattering, you really never know until you try.  You could be pleasantly surprised!

3.  A boxy jacket streamlines your figure.  Wear one over a flouncy dress to temper a volumionous skirt, or even over jeans and a tee to balance out wide hips.   

4. Spice up your look by playing with texture:  a silk cami under a leather jacket, a tweed blazer over a denim buttondown, etc.  The unexpected mix is just plain cool!

Here's to being creatively comfy!

American Girl

I'm a girl who loves to play dress up. I will take any chance that I get to put a little more pizzazz into my outfits, and prime time for this kind of dressing- the winter holidays- is finally here! I'm already dreaming up my seasonally appropriate Thanksgiving outfits and even contemplating how I'll inject the Christmas spirit into my look come December. However, dressing up for the holidays comes with a big challenge: walking the fine line between "holiday cheer" and "walking greeting card". I took this idea for a test run on Election Day!

Jeans, Kill City.  Tank, Principessa.  Shoes, H&M.  Jewelry, Alexis Bittar.

I was so excited to get out and vote on Tuesday!  I mailed in an absentee ballot for the last presidential election, so this was my first time going to a polling place, waiting in line, and marking my ballot in-person.  I wanted the whole world to share in my patriotic excitement, so I put together an all-American outfit to carry me through the day.

The trick to spreading holiday cheer while still looking fashion-forward is picking one "holiday" aspect (color, print, etc) and sticking to it.  For my election day outfit, I shied away from the typical red-white-and-blue theme and focused on a black and grey palate.  Since my outfit had little-to-no color in it, I could mix these AMAZING American Flag printed jeans with a printed tank, no problem!

I think these Kill City jeans are one of the coolest things I own.  You may have seen them already- Wiz Khalifa and Billie Joe Armstrong both have them as well! (Confession: I am wearing men's jeans.)  They bring a grunge vibe to American pride- such a cool combo.

The eagle printed "Freedom" tank was an impulse buy a few weeks ago.  It reminds me of my dad, the most All-American, patriotic guy I know, and his crazy eagle tattoo.  Shout out to Papa Hector!  The slouchy, cozy fit really makes the tank a fashion-forward piece- had this print been on a plain old tee-shirt, I don't think I would've bought it.  Exaggerated armholes and a loose knitted fabric bring a level of design to the look that you just don't get from a standard tee.

The jeans-and-tank combo was a little inappropriate for my workplace, so I made sure to bring a blazer with me.

Blazer, vintage.

A neutral colored blazer tied in nicely with the muted colors of the tank and added a level of professionalism.  I love this particular blazer because it's a "shrunken fit"- meaning it fits a little bit tighter than your traditional suit jacket.  A shrunken blazer is cool instead of stuffy, and adds sophistication to pretty much anything. 

I finished the look off with gunmetal fringe earrings and stack of Alexis Bittar bangles, and of course my signature swipe of red lipstck.  But the best accessory of the day was my "I Voted" sticker!

Fashion Tips from "American Girl":

1.  When dressing for the holidays, don't go overboard.  One color or print will do the trick!  For example, wearing either red OR green (instead of a combo of both) on Christmas will keep you looking chic.

2.  Look for a neutral blazer with a shrunken fit to throw on top of little tanks and dresses.  Voila!  Office-appropriate apparel that's still fashion-forward.

4.  A slouchy tank is a great alternative to a tee-shirt.  If you're a girl (or guy) who sticks mostly to a jeans-and-tee wardrobe, mix it up a bit with a stylized tank every once in a while.  It's just as easy to wear and 10x cooler!

3.  Shop outside the box.  One of my favorite pieces of clothing in the world came from the men's section!  Don't be afraid to take a gander into menswear stores, or even the kid section.  A little girl's XXL jacket could turn out to be your favorite shrunken blazer!!

Stay tuned for my next post, where I take on a tutu!  Also, follow me on Instagram (@jdefino) for more outfit snippets throughout the week.