The Style FIles: You Can Have it All But Not Til You Prove It

If you're in the market for a "song of the summer," look no further! My friend showed me this one and I'm so obsessed. It's perky, inspiring, and so catchy. Tell me this song doesn't want to make you accomplish great things, I dare you.

Style Spiration: Victoria Beckham

In honor of the Queen's Jubilee, I thought I should dedicate this week's Style Spiration to a fashion-forward Brit. Honestly, who's a better choice than Posh Spice herself?  What fashionista doesn't adore this pop sensation turned style maven? Not only is her style clean and chic, but her diva-esque attitude is to die for.

Is it just me, or is Victoria Beckham having such a Holly Golightly moment? Between the oversized sunnies and the short, leather gloves, Beckham gives the LBD a modern twist. The sleek bob and neutral makeup enhance this crisp and jojo ensemble. I wonder if this was the lil' Gucci dress.  (Photo Cred)                                                                                                                                               

Not only does Posh rock the chicest hue of them all, black, she also knows a thing or two about wearing color. For starters, she knows that the best way to finish off a bright dress is with a pair of flattering, nude platforms. Genius. I'm such a sucker for a long-sleeved mini so I'm obviously obsessed with this look. Though I would've styled it with a standout bag or tough jewels, the simplicity of this look is tres Beckham!  (Photo Cred)

Though Beckham tends to sport a slew of fitted dresses, she knows that a body-con-esque dress isn't the only way to make onlookers swoon. This boxy, trench-inspired dress is office-approved; however, the v-neck is uber sultry. Her monochromatic take on this ensemble is on trend and super sleek. J'adore! (Photo Cred)

Mrs. David Beckham knows a thing or two about self promotion. For example, she rocked her very own Victoria Beckham gown to the 2012 Vanity Fair Party. What I love about Victoria's self-promotion tactic is that she wears pieces that work for her. Though that may sound like a given, you'd be surprised as to how many people don't know the cardinal rule of self promotion. Any who, Victoria and the Mister are perfectly styled at this party. The simplicity of Posh's ensemble is perfectly counteracted by her dramatic eye makeup. She just gets me every time. (Photo Cred)

The Weekly

• Miranda Kerr at the Sydney Airport:  How feminine! Kerr rocks a dual-tone trenchcoat with leather accessories and a poppy lip. The supermodel's lack of jewels is perfect for this crisp and proper ensemble.  Not only is this ensemble styled beautifully, but I love that she wore this to the airport. So smitten.
• Alexa Chung at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition (Moschino): Chung channels her inner Twiggy with this contrastingly feminine ensemble. While the lace detailing, as well as the buttons, infer an exuberantly feminine aesthetic, Chung gives it her own quirky twist with messy hair and a juxtaposed clutch. To top it all off, the black Mary Jane-inspired pumps and the flirty cat eye bring this look back to it's groovy roots.
• Kate Moss at the Mango Fashion Awards: Quintessential Kate Moss, no? I'm obsessed with her effortless style and this look ties that together with a polish, business-approved twist. If you're hoping to copy this look, it's all about mixing and matching different textures.

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The Style Files: We Got No Money, But We Got Heart

I think I have an obsessive song disorder. Almost every week, there's a song that I can't stop listening to, hence this arbitrarily placed section in the Style Files. Right now, I'm obsessed with Walk the Moon's "Anna Sun." For some reason or another, it makes me feel like we're on the cusp of something epic happening. Big thanks to my friend, Ben, for showing me this gem.

Style Spiration: Alexa Chung

I'm pretty surprised that over the past two years of blogging, I've barely mentioned Alexa Chung. Well, ladies and gent, that's all going to change: right here, right now. The British fashionista truly exudes this understated chic vibe. She never has to over-accessorize; however, the way she puts outfits together is always stylish and quirky.

At the 2010 CFDA Awards (Marc Jacobs): This look really pinpoints everything that Alexa Chung's style encompasses. She doesn't need statement jewels or a standout bag; however, those chunky silver shoes do create the perfect amount of style tension with the dainty Marc Jacobs dress.The way this look is put together is very reminiscent of the early 20th century, when understated glamour ruled the world, don't you agree? (Photo Cred)

Street Style: Love it or hate it, Alexa Chung rocks quirky, personal style. Those high-rised shorts with the high socks? One might think this is all too high for comfort, but I kind of like the quirkiness. The simple striped tee as a neutral to make the look appear cleaner.(Photo Cred)

At the 2010 Met Ball (3.1 Phillip Lim): Pants to the Met Ball? As anyone who keeps close tabs on the Met Ball knows, this red carpet is all about avant garde dresses that are too crazy for any other red carpet. In short, it's embracing fashion as art. Wearing a simple pantsuit is such a fashion risk; however, there's no one better to make this risk than Chung. Honestly, I love the whole look: the bold lip, the western-inspired bow, the trouser effect, the chunky shoes. Chung shows us an alternative, but equally creative way, to dress for the Met Ball. (Photo Cred)

The Weekly

• Elizabeth Olsen at the NYC Premiere of Silent House (Balmain): From the oversized Balmain topper to the pastel envelope clutch, this look is everything. I love how she pairs these fun accessories and extra with a simple black dress. The different lengths, textures, and sleeve lengths give this look a disheveled vibe; however, her clean hair and makeup bring femininity and structure to the table. 
• Julianne Moore at the Game Change Premiere (Lanvin): Sure, Julianne Moore has her fair share of fashion faux pas; however, this Lanvin number is to die for.  Everything is so structured, which really works for her. I despise when she does these avant garde dresses: all she needs is something simple and sleek. I love the black and white color blocking, especially with her red hair. The variety of bracelets gives this look a dash of personal style. For the record, that fuchsia lip is incredible. 
• Catherine Middleton at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee: Thankfully, the Duchess of Cambridge is embracing the peplum trend. The otherwise straight silhouette works perfectly with the cute peplum.  Paired with that cute hat? Out of this world. I love when people wear navy and black together, so this look is definitely a good one.  Also, where has Kate been? I've missed her! 

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The Joys of Denim

Yesterday, before planning my outfit for my bubble tea outing with my friend Hammah (or Hannah, whichever you prefer), I stood in front of my closet in search for the perfect outfit to combat the blazing Northeastern weather. Eventually, I decided on a printed Free People full skirt, a white tank, gold/pearl jewels, a black belt, and my precious black Miu Mius. But, even with all of this clothing, I still felt as if something was missing. Browsing through my wardrobe, I picked out the perfect finishing touch: a jean jacket. Throughout the day, aka when I was watching Pretty Little Liars, I saw a lot of denim.

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I was so happy to see so much denim in one show because I was starting to think I was the only one who still found a "cool" factor in denim vests and jackets. There's a common association between denim tops and anything cheesy:

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Well ladies and gents, I'm here to tell you that denim jackets and vest are 100% a must-have. It's actually quite easy to make a denim innovative and chic. So for your entertainment, here are my denim do and don'ts:

• DON'T match blue denim with blue denim: Remember when my boy, Justin Timberlake, and Britney Spears wore that hideous matching denim outfit? Sorry Rachel Zoe, but not your finest styling job. Anyways, the biggest problem with this whole look is the monochromatic outfits. While same colored looks may look awesome with some fabrics, like silk or chiffon, denim is NOT one of those fabrics: it just looks cheesy. If you want to rock denim on denim, I highly suggest a light blue jean jacket with black denim; it's majorly chic and the anti-cheese. 
• DO keep it casual: As we all know, denim is not a fabric you're ever going to dress up. So do keep it fun and casual. Alexa Chung put together an awesome look with an oversized denim blouse. Without the jean staple, this look would be rather feminine; however, Chung added a major splash, which I personally love. To re-create this look at home, a girly sundress and vintage inspired earrings would be unstoppable with a denim jacket.
• DO up your makeup: I know that feel awkward when I dress on the casual side and a jean jacket may provoke this feeling in others. In order to get that slice of glam you crave, try a dramatic eye or a pop of red lipstick. I love Rachel Bilson's raspberry lip at 3.1 Phillip Lim's Menswear 2010 preview. So chic! 
• DON'T over do the look: While a printed skirt or a tiny striped dress may be awesome with a denim jacket, don't overdue the accessories. In most situations, I think that a highly accessorized look with a denim outfit may be too much. If you want to incorporate truly stellar accessories,  I'd suggest a black ensemble, jean vest, and some statement pieces. 
• DO keep it tight: You know that song, "Miss New Booty"? There's this part that goes "get it right, get it right, get it tight," which I think is very applicable to wearing denim but clearly in a different context. Denim vests and jackets should never be tight fitting for ladies, they aren't going to show off your fabulous curves. The perfect fashion antidote? Go body con! I've been warming up to the idea of wearing more fitted clothing, which I find hysterically ironic, and I think a perfect way to start is with a jean jacket. It's like the best of both worlds: the base will show off what "yo' mama gave ya," but the jean jacket will make the look more modest and fun. A dress like this from Urban would be absolutely perfect. 
• DON'T be afraid: Confidence is always key in the world of fashion. So what if someone thinks rocking a jean jacket is a throw back to Clarissa Explains it All? They're just jealous that they aren't as fabulously chic as yourself. And for us aspiring fashionistas, we need to take some risks! Not to mention that Clarissa was pretty rad herself. 

xx