Pastel Aliens

This is pretty much what I’m feeling right now.

Tee- Wildfox Couture //Bracelet- Dannijo //Shorts- Matthew Williamson //Lipstick- No She Didn’t by Lime Crime //Polish- Fairy Lights by Butter London //Boots- Miista //Scarf- ASOS

Purity Ring- Obedear

black on black on black

I love black. I love sheer. I love flowy. I also think an all black, sheer and flowy ensemble needs a little plastic. Not just plastic so you can pay for said ensemble, but plastic to add texture. Too much sheer and flowy and you’ll look like smoke, or a shadow, or possibly a Ringwraith/Dementor. Fear not, patent isn’t only reserved for the 60’s and early 2000’s. Everything comes back, and if you know what you’re doing you can definitely tote a giant patent messenger bag. Or maybe patent creepers? Or a shiny vinyl watch?

Top: Alexander Wang

Dress: TopShop

Watch: NIXON

Shorts: ModCloth

Ring: H&M

Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Creepers: ASOS

Hip Hop Summer

I know it’s not even spring yet, but I’m sitting here on this dreary day dreaming of summer. For me, days inside are spent perusing blogs and shops looking for my next season’s wardrobe inspiration. For summer, I’m really feeling a 80s-90s Hip Hop influence. The colors were bright and fun, but the look was still edgy. I think it’s the perfect way to experiment with this coming spring’s pastels and summer’s neons without looking too young and girly.

Sneakers – Supra

Bracelet – ASOS

Tee – dope (local!)

Wedges – United Nude

Shorts – TopShop

Bra – Deborah Marquit

Blue Platform Galaxy

I follow trends to an extent. I prefer personal style that is somewhat timeless and involves aspects that will never fade. I think comprising your wardrobe completely of trends removes a natural sense of style and evokes a more store-bought persona. But some trends are fun and fascinating, and having a few trendy pieces helps you fabulous with less work. Here are some of those fun, fascinating trends that I am into right now:

Yves Klein Blue

YAYA, Senso, ASOS, Rag & Bone

I am particularly loving this trend. Yves Klein is a favorite of mine and he alone made me want to study Art History. The French artist was on the forefront of Minimalist and Pop Art, known mostly for his perfect shade of blue. I love clothing in this color blue, it’s the perfect way to stray from navy and denim shades. Plus it’s a brilliant POP of classic color.

Cosmic Prints

Jeffrey Campbell, Christopher Kane, Black Milk, Christoper Kane

Space is beautiful, so why not put it on clothing?

Platform Oxfords

Prada, Jeffrey Campbell, Prada, ASOS

I love a good pair of oxfords, and a good pair of platforms. Someone else did too and now we have this budding Fall trend. It’s the perfect bit of casual edge added to such a classic, put-together shoe. And it all started with Prada…

I Love: Lace-Up Boots

I am really loving lace-up boots this Fall/Winter. It’s such a crisp, classic look with a somewhat laid back feel. While I was browsing ShopStyle I couldn’t believe how many great Jeffrey Campbell boots I saw. I find myself fascinated with the green pair at the bottom left, I don’t usually go for that shade of green. Maybe I’m bias because of JC?

Boots at Target
Boots by Asos

Fab CAN Be Affordable

I’ve had an interest in fashion for quite some time. Though for a while I thought looking fabulous was reserved only for those with expendable income. The fashion world was made solely of Prada boots and Marc Jacobs skirts in my eyes. I wondered how I’d ever make it without winning the lottery and spending a few days cleaning out the racks at Nordstrom. In high school I wore strictly sale rack jeans, band tees and my ever-so-reliable Chuck Taylors. I did not look like someone who spent my nights reading Vogue and Nylon instead of doing homework.

Once I finally left for college and met the thrifty and fashionable people I was surrounded by in art school, I learned that fashion could come on a budget. Over the past couple of years I’ve perfected my “craft” and have ended up with a fabulous wardrobe of affordable clothing, even some designer pieces. Though of course, I still dream of having a box full of Louboutin’s arriving at my door and going on a shelf next to a rack of YSL, but I digress…

You’ve just got to be smart about it.  Its all very simple really; spend more money on versatile pieces that will work from season to season and budget yourself on trendy pieces. Don’t buy things just because they’re on sale. Sure that horrendous sweater may be $3, but it’s three dollars for a reason, you’ll probably never wear it, and if you do it’s still a horrendous sweater. Just. Put. It. Back. It’s boring and somewhat annoying at times, but scouring thrift stores and checking out sample sales will really help you out. There are tons of budget fashion blogs out there as well, offering tip and tricks for the savvy shopper.. My absolute fave is The Budget Babe.

I wanted to toss together a couple Day-to-Night outfits that consist of affordable pieces. I know, the whole transitioning outfit thing is in every magazine and on every blog, but I’m taking a stab at it.

Abstract prints have been everywhere this Summer, and this dress is only twelve dollars. You can be on trend and keep it affordable. With a print like this, the dress is the focal point of the outfit. Its perfect for hot Summer days when paired with an adorable flat and shiny bangle, then great for a night out with a simple cropped blazer and pump. I think the slits on the pump work well with the stripes on the dress, keeping the look whole without being too much. Everything is $102.45 total, being enough for two outfits with four of the 5 pieces being extremely versatile long-wearing pieces. Layer some necklaces you already own and pair with that black bag you’ve got hanging in the back of your closet and you’re good to go.

ASOS Cropped Blazer $47.17  (on sale)

Forever 21 Knit Dress $11.50

Old Navy Flats $12.99 (on sale)

Old Navy Bangle $5.99

Forever 21 Peep Toe Pump $24.80

At my job, a simple all black outfit is uniform. It can be tough to look chic when you get off work at 5 and have to rush to dinner at 5:30. This outfit is very simple, with only four pieces. Lets take a fitted v-neck tee and skinny black trousers, which is a simple all-black outfit perfect for those of us who have such a uniform. Or for those who like a chic monochromatic look. Here they are paired with two statement pieces that you could easily bring along with you. A bold statement necklace is my go-to piece for livening up an outfit. This long silver necklace will follow the shape of the neck well and break up the outfit. The bright red shoe is a colorful accompaniment and the silver zipper matches the necklace, which keeps the whole look pulled together. Both the necklace and shoes have a sort Art Nouveau look to them, or is that just me? Add a clutch or keep your everyday handbag with this one, but keep it simple. Let the shoes and necklace do their job. This outfit is $114.79 total, with the trousers making up most of the price. A simple black trouser is easy to find anywhere, but I absolutely love these boyfriend fit trousers from Gap. And I think if its something you’re going to wear a lot, sixty dollars isn’t too out there.

Gap Trousers $59.50

Forever 21 V-Neck Tee $8.80

ASOS Zip Front Shoe $33.69 (on sale)

Forever 21 Necklace $12.80