The Style Files: I'll be Waiting for You Baby, 'Cause I'm Through

The weirdest thing is listening to a song's cover before the  original song. I don't know why I find it so weird, but I do. This recently happened with The Strokes' "You Only Live Once" : I loved a certain cover of it for a couple months, and then I finally listened to the original. It's weird that it took me so long since I love The Strokes, but  I'm please to say that the original did not disappoint. In my humble opinion, this song is addicting. But then again, it's not like you read this blog to hear about my musical preferences. This section is just for my personal enjoyment.

STYLE-SPIRATION: Ali MacGraw
When it comes to style inspirations, I always love playing "blast-from-the-past."  In my mind, these fashionistas are the ones who really paved the way for chic and progressive fashion. I love Ali MacGraw because I feel like I can relate to her style a lot. Every outfit, she's so glam but it almost feels like it's no big deal: it's just natural to her.

This look screams  60's and I like it. The silhouette and the bell-sleeve are perfection. The seemingly white boots are so edgy. Plus, I love a good long-sleeved mini. (Photo Cred)

Here she is at The Godfather premiere. I love all of her feathers  SO much! I like to call this look chic Black Swan. She wears them with such confidence, which is awesome. (Photo Cred)

I love when McGraw does boho-chic. The long sleeves, plus the long skirt, plus the super sleek hair equals perfection. (Photo Cred)

I love hats. Enough said. (Photo Cred)

THE WEEKLY

• Sarah Jessica Parker at the annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball (Louis Vuitton): Talk about a wintry wonderland: I'm obsessed with this look. Although these separates may make other people look boxy, I think the proportions are righteous on her. Sure, the silhouette isn't the most exciting; however, the detail of her ensemble is phenomenal. The monochromatic look is also perfect for all of that detail. Have you guys realized that I really like detail? The messiness of her hair complements the feathered skirt. Gorgeous.
• Kate Hudson at the Brit Fashion Awards (Stella McCartney): This look is so sultry, it's awesome. The cut-out is the perfect thing to complement the long,straight silhouette. Though I love my jewels, keeping this look clean and simple allows us to focus on the dress' detailing. Also, the high bun plus the winged liner equals supreme.
• Olivia Palermo at the Brit Fashion Awards (Matthew Williamson): Love. First of all, I'm obsessed with Olivia Palermo's style. Second, I love Matthew Williamson. Put them together and you get a fabulous look. I love this dress and keeping the color palette simple is such a smart choice: there's so much going on that color would've ruined this look. I also love how she mixed high- Matthew Williamson- with low, Topshop. STYLE DO!  The cutout of the shoes complements the feathers on the Williamson dress, making it an awesome look. Keeping the hair slicked back is smart too: if it was down, there would've been too much going on. Smart and fabulous look! 

Here comes a social plug for you. Tomorrow, I will be featured on Beantown Weekly at 6PM. You're able to listen online, which is pretty cool! I'm so excited to talk Bostonian Fashion and I hope you all like it! 

xx

The Style Files: Hot and Fresh out the Kitchen

I've probably expressed this a million times in this blog, but here we go again: I love Joseph Gordon Levitt. So much. He's so beautiful.  My friend showed  me the following video and I'm borderline obsessed with it. He's just so perfect.

STYLE SPIRATION: Olivia Wilde

In my humble opinion, Olivia Wilde always look super fashion-forward. Her style is constantly evolving and I love it. I feel like nobody should be stuck in a single style forever. Evolution is key! Take a note: Olivia Wilde uses juxtaposition to spice things up.

Olivia Wilde at the 2011 Golden Globes (Oscar de la Renta): This is one of my all-time favorite red carpet looks. The femininity of the dress plus the edginess of her hair and the Louboutins equals a stellar look. So trendy, I'm obsessed. (Photo Cred)

At the Glamour Reel Moments Premiere (David Szeto): While I wish that she wore a jewel-toned shoe instead of the hot pink one, I'm totally digging the concept. The vertical stripes on her dress are extremely slimming, especially with that silhouette. The bangle and drop earrings are very simple; however, they promote a steady movement from her hair and makeup down to the pink shoe.  Besides the harshness of the hot pink shoe, I love the styling of this outfit: so classic! In addition, her makeup and soft updo are fabulous.(Photo Cred)

At Ralph Lauren's Spring 2012 Show: Incredible. First of all, I love a good playsuit: always have, always will. The keyhole in this playsuit is super sexy, but not slutty. The green clutch and burnt orange lipstick are fabulous pops of color: they add that dash of juxtaposition without looking awkward. Her soft waves also keeps this look casual: a sleek ponytail would've been too much for NYFW.(Photo Cred)

THE WEEKLY

• Elizabeth Olsen at the London premiere for Martha Marcy May Marlene (Chanel Haute Couture): The other Olsen is such an up-and-coming fashionista, I kind of love it. The silhouette and fabulous detailing of the look is so European. The blush pink gives such an edgy skirt and top combination a dash of femininity. The red lip gives this look some life and those waves are absolutely enviable. 
• Sienna Miller at the International Medical Corps (Twenty8Twelve): I love how sixties and girly this look is. The boatneck, mixed with the short sleeves, is so classic. Keeping an entirely black outfit is uber fabulous because it allows her hair, makeup, and those awesome hoop earrings to take center stage. I'm really into  that high bun: so retro! Overall, it's a pretty simple look, but that's what makes it chic.
• Nicole Richie at the ACE Awards (Antonio Berardi): Borderline obsessed with this look. That plunging V neck and subtle slit is super sexy; however, the updo and the minimal jewels make this look more classic. On the other hand, the studded clutch gives off this super edgy vibe. All of these different influences work because the outfit is completely black. Fabulous.

I guess this week's theme was monochromatic?

xx

The Style Files: So Let's Set the World on Fire, We Can Burn Brighter Than the Sun

Tuesdays are my favorite weekdays for one reason and one reason only: the new songs on iTunes. I love browsing  iTunes' homepage every Tuesday, in hopes that I'll find some amazing music. This past Tuesday, one of my favorite bands (FUN.) came out with a new single. I was so excited to hear it slash afraid that I'd hate it. But I'd love the song  so much. "We are Young" has been my jam all week and I hope you like it!

STYLE-SPIRATION: BIANCA JAGGER

There's something about the fall that makes me want to go retro. It's probably all of the sleeves and layers. I knew that I wanted to do a throw-back for this week's Style Spiration and who better than Bianca Jagger? One of the most classic style icons, Jagger's style has inspired fashionistas like Rachel Zoe.  With Jagger's looks comes a sense of feminine masculinity; she can rock suits without looking like an androgynous mess. 

Beautiful. The silhouette of this dress is rather clean; however, the detail on the top of the bodice give this dress the perfect amount of drama. Her style isn't overbearing, yet it is completely glamourous. Incredible.  (Photo Cred)

How many times do I have to say it? Never EVER underestimate the power of fur. This incredible fur, combined with Jagger's low-maintenance makeup, is the perfect way to look effortless glam. (Photo Cred)

While most people would look like a really creepy cowboy in this look, this ensemble is effortless and undeniably chic on Jagger. There's not much I can say because this picture doesn't show the whole look. And it also is in black and white, but here's a lesson for the books: AVIATORS ARE  INSTA-EFFORTLESS. Those sunglasses would work with almost any look but, in this instance, they make Jagger look cool.  (Photo Cred)

I wish that I had more to say about these looks, but the lack of information makes that a little tricky. Anywho, I do love Jagger's effortlessly chic style. She doesn't need all of the bells and whistles to look incredible. At the same time, she's not our modern day minimalist. You guys know how I feel about minimalism. Decades after her style peak, it's ironic slash amazing how I find her style refreshing. With that in mind, onto the weekly!

THE WEEKLY

• Rose Huntington-Whiteley at the Burberry show (Burberry) : While this look does scream Burberry- if you're quiet enough, you'll hear it- I love how the drama is not in crazy silhouettes but the pops of color. While the jacket obviously takes center stage, the red in the jacket is not overbearing. The green of the shirt and the black of the pants act as neutrals, yet all of the colors work together to create a cohesive look. I also love how she threw that woven-esque bag in: it gives this look a sense of personal style. While I would replace her sandals with a neutral pump, the femininity seen in her hair and makeup creates more cohesion. A perfect transition look into the new season.
• Sienna Miller at London's Moet and Chandon Etoile Award (Dior): Ever since I saw Alfie, I've been obsessed with Miller's boho chic. While this look is not typical Sienna Miller, I think she looks incredible. The overload of glitz and jewels makes this look extremely feminine and overly glamourous, which I personally love. The column silhouette makes this look more approachable. I lover her take on vintage glam but what really makes this look is the red lip: it gives this rather innocent look some sex appeal. Brava! 
• Rose Huntington Whiteley at the same Moet party  (Burberry): Well,  apparently she's dominating every Burberry look lately. I love the the design of this dress! The plunging V and high slit are uber sultry;however, the long sleeves make this design more classy. The movie-star waves and the red lips are uberglam, but I would've chosen different jewels. The jewels are just a little too primitive for my liking. But I love this dress so that's why it's in the weekly.

MORE SPRING 2012 RTW SOON! 

xx

The Style Files: All the Kids Have Always Known That the Emperor Wears No Clothes

I first heard "Ready to Start" by Arcade Fire in February but it took me until now to love it. It's one of those songs that make me want to start a riot of some sort. Odd? Yes. True? Totally.

Style-Spiration: Jane Aldridge 

As an aspiring fashionista and fashion blogger, it is imperative to look at other blogs. They serve as inspiration for my everyday life as well as your favorite blog, aka this one. And one of my favorite ones, which I highly recommend, is Sea of Shoes. Her pictures are so artistic and inspiring and I am OBSESSED with her outfits. Like, I really want to go vintage shopping with her. Anyways, I love her photo shoots! In fear of looking self centered, I rarely post personal pictures on my blog. Jane's pictures, however, are so natural.  I don't look at them and think, "Well this is awkward." Instead, I think, "I love her photography skills and outfits." So I want to dedicate this week to Jane , her immaculate glamour and styling.

In her Avalon blog post, she rocked this look and I quickly became obsessed. The almost monochromatic look is absolutely striking with her orange hair and red lip. I also love old band shirts and I love how she styled it with light Club Monaco bomber jacket: very rock and roll without going overboard. Obsessed! (Photo Cred)

Not only am I in love with this beautiful vintage dress, but I love how she styles each and every look from head to toe. The half-up hair style? It works so well with this haltered dress! I feel like sometimes, I forget to style my hair so I feel like I'm slacking whenever I look at this blog. The print is so eccentric so keeping the jewels and shoes simple was perfect. I loved the Pink Panther post.(Photo Cred)

The Black Tie was literally a dream. The silhouette of the Nannette Lepore skirt is gorgeous. Mixed with that vintage blouse? On another level! So old school Hollywood slash a glamazon-ed Audrey Hepburn. Those tortoise adds such a wow factor to the look. And those fabulous Miu Mius are the perfect way to spice up a completely black ensemble. Out of this world.  (Photo Cred)

If you haven't realized by now, I love when fabulously fashionable people can have fun with what they wear. In my mind, the Wolf Gang blog post epitomizes fun fash-tivities (told you I'd use that term again). Although it is quite zany, I love he wolf sweater: it's so fun and looks quite cozy! Styled with the large headband and skinnies reminds me of a weekend at a ski lodge. And I love the lip color: it adds a hint of glam to such a casual look!  (Photo Cred)

And now, onto the Weekly!

• Angelina Jolie at the Sarajevo Film Festival (Elie Saab): Lately, Jolie has been wearing a lot of color. And I love it. The length of this dress is age appropriate; however, the beautiful coral is completely glamorous.  Although I think a really loose chignon would complete this look, the nude Jimmy Choo peep toes are perfection. I originally didn't like the lack of jewels, but I changed my mind. If she had on fierce jewels, it would look too much like dress-up. Don't get me wrong, I love dress up. But now isn't the time!
• Dianna Argon at the Late Show with David Letterman (Stella McCartney): OBSESSED. First of all I love the chopped hair, very sexy!  She did a complete black look PERFECTLY! The velvet accents give this look some character and the peplum flare makes this dress so much fun. I would complain about the lack of jewels- are you surprised- but I think the lip color is the PERFECT accessory. Divine! On Wednesday, I wore a fuchsia lip with black! Copying is the nicest form of flattery?

xx

The Style Files: What You Doing for the Rest of Your Life?

Before I get started on this fun Sunday edition, I feel the need to share my latest music obsession with you beautiful people. The way I see it, why not listen to some fun tunes when reading all about fashion? Matt Kearney's  new song, "Hey Mama," is so cute and he wrote it about his wife! Don't all wish that we had musician lovers who wrote songs about us? Yeah...it'll happen, ladies.

Sorry for that, but I felt it was necessary.

ANYWAYS...

Style-spiration

Any aspiring fashionista should know about Mr. Tommy Ton and his amazing skill to capture some of the finest in personal style. I swear, I always get so jealous and feel terrible about my own personal style when I see these pictures. To be more positive, I should say that his pictures serve as a fabulous source of inspiration. And Ton's latest collection, "Moscow on the Seine," was mind blowing.  While I was insanely jealous of all of the subjects, my favorite was Miroslava Duma. The former editor for Harper's Bazaar Russia and Russian "It Girl" is officially my fashion icon. Not only do I love her outfits, but she has such versatility in what she wears and everything looks so effortless. To some extent, everyone's guilty of trying too hard at one point of their fashion career or another. Yes, fashion is supposed to be risky and fun; however, but you should never dress in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable. I feel like a lot of people say, "Well, I can't pull this or that off." While some of those issues may be physical, I feel like people "can't pull things off" when they don't have the confidence. When you have the confidence and wear something your comfortable in, the look will seem effortless, most of the time. I'm not going to make this Style-spiration about "being comfortable about yourself." This is a fashion blog, not an after school special so I'll stop. But I do want to recognize Miroslava's versatility.  I should say though, since Miroslava is rather obscure, I do not know the places and or designers of the following pictures. I know, I need to step up my game...sorry! 

I know I just talked about breaking up a monochromatic look with some skin in the Ann-Margret blog post; however, this look works because the black booties and white clutch gives this look some excitement. Of course this look was meticulously planned, but the vintage-esque aviators and the windswept hair makes this look so cool and chic. The monochromatic look could look really granny, but the styling made this look refreshing and chic.  It looks easy, right? (Photo Cred)

This look isn't as relaxed as the look above; instead, Miroslava is embracing the New Yorker urban glamour: is it sad I can tell that she's in New York from the background? Anyways, this look is awesome because, even though she is in head-to-toe black, there are many strong silhouettes and lines in this look. The shoes have an interesting shape and the shape of the dress is so glam. Since this is more high-fashion than some of her other looks, the straight hair was absolutely perfection. (Photo Cred)

And what about this look? Classic femininity with an edgy flair. The structured blazer, paired with ladylike handbag, is the definition of classic. But I love how Miroslava didn't just leave it at that and say, "Well now it's time for my bridge game, cheerio!' Instead, she made it funky with the patterned dress, which reminds me a lot of stained glass so we'll go with that. Since there's so much going on in this look, clean makeup and straight hair is great: she's like a blank palette for all of this fun fash-tivities. I really like that term, fash-tivities. I think I'll use it more *writing it on a MacBrook sticky*.(Photo Cred)

I don't lie to you guys.

 This is a prime example of confidence being the equivalent to effortlessness. On anyone else, I would think this look is gross and ridiculous to the extreme. But it's different on Miroslava. Maybe I'm crazy and in a "I love her style" frenzy, but I really do think that really carries it well. It's the quintessential personal style. Most of these pieces I couldn't picture being styled together, but that's the thing about taking risks in fashion, That's the only way fashion is fun, after all. But her effortless attitude, obviously I would totally know just by this one picture, transforms this look from a "what will other people think" situation to a "what... you don't wear baggy jeans and a leather jacket?" I think we should all strive to make our outfits kooky, but have the same tone as the latter example. (Photo Cred)

And now, you lovely readers, onto The Weekly!

• Mila Kunis at the Friends with Benefits premiere (Lanvin):  Awesome. Purely awesome. This look is very simplistic, which I feel Mila doesn't do a lot, but really sexy because it was simple. You dig? The midi hemline is really now, yet classy. But the ruching gives the dress some va va vroom. Since she didn't add on the jewels, the chunky black pumps are a solid accessory.  In short, she looks like a classier Kardashian, nothing against the Kardashians because I love them.
• Emma Stone at the Friends with Benefits premiere (Giambattista Valli): One of my friends and I have this unintentional book club situation, we just read The Help, so I'm having such an Emma Stone moment. This is supreme color blocking, woohoo Emma Stone! The concept is really simple, but I'm obsessed with the skirt's silhouette. GORGEOUS. Styling it with a nude pump and sparse gold jewels was smart, since the skirt was such an attention grabber.  Perfection. 

xx

If Perfect's What You're Searching For, Then Just Stay the Same

Recently, I fell in love with Bruno Mars' songs: no, I don't know why I'm on such a music/fashion craze this summer, but I don't mind. Anyways, I love the range of really deep songs, a la "Grenade", to chill summery songs, like "The Lazy Song." His voice is so silky smooth and I always end up singing with my iPod:



In addition to his music, I truly think he has great man-style. Sure, I'm not the biggest fan of his hair; however, he has this great mix of trendy and classic in his wardrobe. And my thoughts were solidified by a behind-the-scenes look at his Vogue photo shoot.

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I love how he can wear a skinny-tied suit in Vogue and it looks neither typical nor random. In my mind, his style is the epitome of man-chic. Not to mention, I love his love for hats. So for this blog, ladies and gents, I've decided to pick apart SLASH analyze some classic Bruno Mars looks.

Doesn't this look like it came straight out of an Urban Outfitters' catalog? Or maybe as if it was taken in a Urban Outfitters' changing room? Anyways, I really like this juxtaposition of hipster and toughie. I don't like hiprims, although they do look pretty good on him. If he didn't add that red leather, he would've looked like just another hipster, which sounds rude and I don't mean it to sound rude but conformity is a funny thing. Anyways, the red leather makes this look less hipster and more fashion forward, which I love. And especially red? This guy's definitely willing to have some fun with his looks. (Photo Cred)

 Besides Michael Buble, who honestly wears a suit on tour? Exactly. The fact that he's wearing a suit definitely suggests that he's a class act. The baggy fit and the nontraditional grey suggests that he's funkier than Michael Buble- don't worry Michael, I still love you. (Photo Cred)

Maybe this is the aspiring fashionista in me speaking, but there's something very sexy about a boy who has  an effortlessly chic sense of style. Yes, that's probably my inner fashion slave talking.  BUT THE POINT IS that this is such a prime example of laid back style. Wayfarers add instant male chicness. No really, I think guy's look a million times better them! Anyways, the hat is the perfect amount of trend to counteract the white shirt. Yet, he's not trying too hard (is he trying at all)? Perfect. (Photo Cred)

See?! Now do you understand the Wayfarer effect? Musicians, especially at the Grammys, tend to get very...creative with their looks. I love love LOVE how Mars kept it classy in this suit; however, the unbuttoned shirt and the beautiful sunnies made him the coolest guy at the party. J'adore. (Photo Cred)

All of these pictures made me realize how interesting Bruno Mars' bone structure is... NOW that I've been sufficiently awkward, I will bid you lovely people goodbye!

xx

British East India Company

So I've never done of these inspiration-blogs before but I'll give it a go, yes? Yes.

I'm officially into this Victorian/Arabian nights look. The juxtaposition of traditional versus temptress is really cool.

Is it because I'm in London? 

Is it because I have an urge for Indian food?

ANYWHO

Source of inspiration you may ask?

Photo Cred

Details, details, details!

Photo Cred

ornate.

Photo Cred

Is there a better inspiration besides Prada?


How to Style this Trend: I think the key to pursuing this look is minimalism. Blegh, I hate minimalism...usually. But here, it is necessary. If you have phenomenal pieces (pluralized) and accessories galore, it may start looking like a costume, which should be happening. This look can be achieved with one or two fabulous pieces and a rather plain outfit besides that. But the key of this look is jutxaposition. If you wear a turban, keep the jewels gold and not as bold. Wearing a uber victorian scarf, chunky bangles will offset the Arabian Nights look.

I love this scarf! 

This lovely silk scarf is Anna Maria la Bianca (the link does show off lingerie and swimwear, but I swear she makes scarves too). Anna Maria herself showed me many ways to wear this: top, headband, scarf, etc. What I love about this scarf is that it is so versatile. It comes in a variety of colors (my sister got black and my mom got a lovely red). In my mind, it really describes the look that I am fascinated with at the moment: the color scheme is very traditional while the design is extremely hypnotic.

Ever since Sex and the City 2, I've toyed with the idea of a turban. Were the clothes in that movie terrifying? Yes. But, something about a turban is so effortlessly chic and Rachel Zoe: I wanted it. I've searched high and low for one, but was left turban-less. On the checkout line of Topshop today, I found it.  I snatched it up and wore it home. My boyfriend didn't understand the fabulousity of this turban, but whatever. And yes, I shot a picture of it on an exercise ball.  Maybe one day I'll become a real blogger and take pictures of my clothes...on me. But for now, I think an exercise ball works just fine, don't you?

Another Topshop steal! I love the coral in this reminds me of a dingy victorian petticoat (don't ask me why), but it's contrast with the gold is just what I'm looking for. This combined with a cape and riding boots equals be perfection.

xx

Style-Spiration: Olivia Palermo

I don't necessarily think of myself as a cultural elitist, but I can safely say that I don't follow the popular masses: I have never watched an episode of "Jersey Shore", hate Silly Bandz (as many know), and never form...sprung. But, there are some things that I do succumb to. A perfect example: "The City" is currently recorded on my TiVo. I love how it's main central theme is fashion. So it's no surprise that girls with amazing personal style are the stars of the city. My personal favorite? Olivia Palermo. Yes, she is the resident mean girl on the show, but I like her because of her style. She is very trendy and knows how to mix- and-match amazing pieces. Her knowledge and intimacy with designers alone is absolutely inspirational. I love how she's not afraid to mix and match textures to make them look absolutely chic. She tends to wear a lot of black, but makes them look fashion forward and not boring. In my mind, she's a type A fashionista in her style tips, but she's unique. I think it's pretty understandable that I would make her my first "style-spiration" for my up and coming wardrobe renewal. So....congrats!

xx