Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Pretty in Pink

Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future.- Coco Chanel
Sophisticated, sleek, and business chic, a hot pink blazer is the perfect statement piece for a day at the job or a night on the town.  Sold at popular retailers including H & M and Zara, the pink blazer effortlessly demands attention.  


My personal favorite, the Alexander Wang blazer pictured below, features black accents and a back cutout, for a structured, haute couture vibe.  Pair this pink blazer with a white frilled top and either jean shorts, jeans, or a tight blue skirt.  Complete the look with black or white flats/heels.  
  


Alexander Wang 

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

High Waist Shorts

When I was seven years old, I wrote a short monologue about high waist bottoms.  Here is a passage from said monologue, verbatim:  "Why do old women wear their pants up to their chests?  There's a reason man invented the bra and the low rise jean.  Never will I ever wear high waist... anything!"  Many years later, I apologize to my former self.  I caved, and now sport the high waist denim short on a regular basis.  Yes, I'll admit, I love my high waist denim!

Levis tie dye shorts
Studded Levis

I highly recommend the following sites for your high waist shorts; these specialize in studded, tie dye, and simple denim shorts:
http://www.theraggedpriest.com/
http://www.nativeheart.bigcartel.com/product/studded-acid-wash-high-waisted-shorts 

The high waist denim short adds a hipster chic flare to any look, and, when paired with bootlets, looks casually cool.  The key to achieving this vibe is this: purchase a perfectly fitting pair of high waist denim... there's no faking the fit of these!  Then, mix and match long necklaces, crop tops, sling purses and tight fitting tops to change up the look.  

The Skeleton in the Closet

There is something unbelievably, and effortlessly, seductive, modern, and hip about skeleton jumpers, bodysuits, and tees.  Popularized by Wildfox Couture's Oversized Skeleton Hoody, skeleton printed tops endow ultra femme looks with undeniable swag... in the most flattering sense of the word! 


From day...
Throw on your oversized skeleton jumper, and pair it with your favorite jeans or colored leggings... simple, easy, chic.




Wildfox Skeleton Over-Sized Hoodie in Clean Black
Wildfox Couture- $139
Pair your oversized skeleton jumper with short, lace trimmed black shorts.



Free People Scalloped Lace Shorts
Free People Scalloped Lace shorts: $78


To Night...
Pair a tight fighting skeleton tee with a light pink petticoat, grey or black knee high socks, and shimmery black bootlets or heeled black boots.




Wildfox Couture
Multi- Layered reversible petticoat from American Apparel
Grey knee highs paired with heeled black boots

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Fashion's Night Out

On Thursday, September 8th, from 5pm to 10pm, designers, retailers, and shoppers gather together in celebration of good old retail therapy!!!  Enticed by parties, food, goodie bag giveaways, trunk shows, mini makeovers, demonstrations, shopper rewards, and product samplings, to name a few perks, shoppers hit the streets from New York to Milan, mingling with fashion's hottest designers and stylists.  This year, celebrity appearances include Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester at the Tiffany and Co 5th Avenue Flagship, designer Joy Gryson at New York's 59th Street Bloomingdales, and Joss Stone at New York's 5th Avenue Macy's Tommy Hillfiger boutique.  This is a night you don't want to miss!!! Head to the FNO site and create your itinerary!
Check out the FNO collection, available online: http://fashionsnightout.com/collection.  40% of all earnings go to the New York City Aids Fund.    

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Mr. Lennon, Lend Me Those Shades!

John Lennon ruled the world with his carefree attitude, hippy rock vibe, and, of course, his guitar, banjo, piano, harmonica, and vocals.  You may remember him from "The Beatles"? Yes... he was, is, and will always be a legend.


John Lennon's circular framed sunglasses completed his signature style, and have since found a way onto the faces of America's fashion elite.  Ranging in price from $10- $400, these glasses add a retro chic vibe to any look.  Sorry Ray Bans... you're being upstaged!     


Sunday, August 28, 2011

Fashion Icon, Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning, actor extraordinaire and younger sister to Dakota Fanning, is highly coveted amongst fashion's elite.  At just thirteen years old, Elle represents Marc by Marc Jacobs' latest fall/winter collection and Oh Lola perfume, stars in Rodarte: The Curve of Forgotten Things, and graces the pages of Vogue, Teen Vogue, and Vanity Fair, (amongst others).  Elle's eclectic style mixes and matches chic, feminine pieces with edgier accents and accessories.  Keep an eye on this young lady- she is taking both Hollywood and the fashion industry by storm!      

Skirts, Revolutionized

Drapery is in! Contemporary clothing boutiques, including Brandy Melville, LF, and Timeless feature the layered maxi skirt, highlighting the feminine, flirty, and chic nature of this fabric.  The popular skirt typical features a short from hem, hitting just above the knee, and drapery down the back, falling to the floor.  For affordable drapery skirts, check: http://inlovewithfashion.com/
I finally found my perfect fit: a Bubble gum high- sides chiffon skirt, retailed at $178 but purchased at LF's 60% off sale for about $72.  The skirt differs from the norm, with a high front and back hem, and drapery down the sides.  

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Effortlessly Cool in Leggings

Leggings cater to my current occupation: lazy college theatre major.  The majority of my classes are movement based, and require comfortable leg- wear (i.e: jeggings, leggings, sweatpants).  Commonly, students wear simple black leggings.  I take a more eclectic approach, sporting a variety of multi- colored, glittery, and patterned leggings.  I purchase   my leggings from the American Apparel factory store, at a reduced rate.
Just recently, while browsing lookbook.nu, I discovered the pink galaxy leggings (pictured at left).  Warning: These leggings are pricey ($78.56).  However, if you live in leggings, (wear them to class, then style then for a night out,) I highly recommend the galaxy print and additional patterns at http://www.blackmilkclothing.com.  You are sure to make a statement in these incredible, chic, and spunky patterned leggings!!! 

The 'It' Bag: Cambridge Satchel Co.

My fashion- forward friend, after interning at one of New York's premiere fashion magazines, returned to Los Angeles for a short home- stay.  After recovering from the initial excitement of her return, I noticed the incredible bag on her shoulder: the fluro yellow Cambridge Satchel bag... and I was in love.  The bag includes two front buckles, a lightweight shoulder strap, and optional embossing.  Available in a multitude of colors, this bag is perfect for anyone and everyone.                

http://www.cambridgesatchel.co.uk/

Trending Topic: Shoes.

Jeffrey Campbell revolutionized the heel with his Lita Platform Boot.  The shoe, which typically runs about $160-$170, depending on the style, includes a five inch heel and two inch sole, and endows any outfit with an effortlessly cool vibe.  Budding fashionistas on lookbook.nu receive hundreds, if not thousands of hypes for those looks, incorporating the Lita Platform, and celebrities, including Kendall Jenner and Demi Lovato, regularly sport these shoes.    
Cheap Trick: Try on the Lita Platform, for sizing purposes. Then, browse the internet for reduced prices on sites including ebay and nastygal.  LF is currently having their annual 60% off sale, and all Lita platforms are flying out the door.  




Sam Edelman designs a variety of shoes, from simple one toned sandals to studded heels and shimmery oxfords.  My personal favorite is the Adena studded flat, pictured here.  The shoe runs about $150, and adds spunk to any outfit without being overly obnoxious.
Cheap Trick: Wait for Bloomingdales's private sale, and receive $25 off of every $100 you spend, plus a $15 Bloomingdales card per $100 spent.  This reduces the price of the shoe to $125 and gives you some bloomies bucks for your wallet.      

Doc Martens specializes in combat boots, which, styled appropriately, bring an edgy grunge vibe to any outfit.  Pair these boots with high waist denim shorts or skirts, leggings, or skinny jeans.  Retail value: $115
Cheap Trick: 6pm.com, ebay, and heelandshoes.com all sell the boots at a reduced price. Do not buy these full priced!!! They are on sale all over the web!
  

Hi. My name is Jennifer and I'm a shopaholic...

Admitting is the first step to recovery... right?!
Nothing satisfies me like a trip to the mall.
Men are too unpredictable... I'd rather have a Chanel handbag on my arm.
Friends come and go, but leather lasts forever.
My sport of choice: shopping... collecting all the discounted Marc by Marc Jacobs shirts at Bloomingdales' private sale is a killer on my thighs.
I draw fashion inspiration from everything and everyone, including websites like lookbook.nu and nastygal, shops LF and Barneys New York, everyday people on the sidewalk, and celebrities from Katy perry to Elle Fanning.  Here, I will share my favorite fashion trends, and where to buy them... cheap. 


Top: American Apparel lace tank, purchased at the Factory Outlet store for a significantly discounted price.
Bottom: American Apparel high waist side zip black jean shorts, purchased at the Factory Outlet as well.
American Apparel Factory Outlet
747 Warehouse Street
Los Angeles, CA 90021