Saturday, December 3, 2011

Celebrity Style for Le$$!

Hello Fashion Followers,

It's that time again for a Celeb Style for less! My absolute fav post! These posts are actually harder than they seem, but I think I managed with what I had to work with as best as I could. I am pretty happy with the outcome! 
What do you all think? I have another cute outfit by Rihanna I will post soon! 

Click for Larger Image
1. Charlotte Russe: Grey cowl-neck sweater -              $20.99
2. Celeb Boutique: Zig-Zag printed leggings -            $64.00
3. Zara: Leather pointed toe heels -                            $67.50
4. Forever 21: Feather drop earrings -                          $5.80
5. Zara: *Leather Chelsea boot* -                            $106.00

**I put an alternative shoe for the outfit because you can really change up this look with many ways and still have it look really good. But for the sake of the post we have to mimic the style shown. However I think a leather chelsea boot would look really good here, or even a colored heel to give a POP of color. 

Since the sweater is really low-cut you can also wear an exaggerated long necklace. If you decided to do this, you take away the dangle earrings because you don't want too much jewelry it will start to look gaudy. That might also take away from the leggings, which is the conversation/accessory piece of the entire outfit. 

With that, I hope you guys are having a fun Saturday night for me, since i'm home trying to get something done, but not accomplishing much. 


Until next time, ~Happy Shopping!

OH! And we finally have reached the month of December, this is a very exciting time for family and love! I'll be home for Christmas in about 2 weeks, and it couldn't come soon enough!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Channeling Dorothy Parker

- A Style Showcase [in-depth] 
This is the follow-up post to the previous one below. I decided to split it up into two separate posts because my new hat deserved a style showcase close-up. It's a one-of-a-kind piece to me. 

In past posts I have talked about that 'diamond in the rough'. It's how I like to explain finding a unique accessory or piece of clothing that doesn't really match or fit any other trend that is out at that time. I think it's a fashion forecasting technique that buyer's do to test the waters. Maybe they don't think that trend will necessarily be a hit, so they will put out one random piece and depending on how that item sells they can feel secure enough to bring it out in full-force for the next season. I could be completely wrong about this, since I have never studied fashion forecasting in a professional setting, but I would imagine that it's a good tactic to see if trends will be a 'hit' or a 'miss.' 

We've seen this fall a LOT of 70's boho chic, 80's colorblock, and 90's denim grunge. These are the dominant trends - give or take a few new kinks and re-workings of past styles. 

But has there been a dominance of 20's fashion? I think it's safe to say that throwing 20's style into the mix of fall trends is a little random and risky. Yet some gutsy fashion buyer saw the 20's potential and decided to put THE CLOCHE back onto the market! 

The Cloche was the staple hat accessory for women in the 20's who were sporting that infamous and  rebellious 'bob' hair-cut! 

Here is a cartoon portrait of the female poet and prose writer, Dorothy Parker: 
Dorothy is wearing the signature cloche hat. 

If you are interested, I would definitely recommend reading some of her stuff. She was a bad-ass of her time, the Carrie Bradshaw of the 1920's. She was an outspoken and independent women with the occasional relationship issues every modern woman seems to be facing today! She is a timeless author so her stories relate to our present day troubles as well. Being able to stay relevant is the key to success, I believe.  

Fast-forward, 2011. Window shopping one weekend I found a cloche hat in the middle of chaos. It was calling out to me, it looked so lonely. I had to buy it, especially because all the other girls were too busy buying faux fur vests, I wanted to make the difference. It was one of the best purchases I have made in a long time! Love at first sight! 

Courtesy of: Tally Weijl 
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I always tell myself my next post will be short, no more explaining, but it seems I can't help myself. 
Well,sometimes we need the background story to understand the significance of a certain fashion trend.
Did you like the historical aspect to this post, or was it too boring? I thought it would be nice to fuse my three favorite things into one post - history - literature and fashion!  

***Scroll down to previous post to see part.1 of today's updates!***
It has been fun, but now I'm sleepy. Beauty-rest is in order and then tomorrow a 'Celeb Style 4 Le$$' post! 
:-) WOOO I'm excited!!! 

Houndstooth: Gaga Approved

HELLO FASHION FOLLOWERS,

It's quite late, but the usual ol' me loves to wait to the last minute to do things. I think my work comes out best that way. The pressure of time really makes you race the clock and see how far you can push yourself. It's a terrible habit, but I don't see that trait changing anytime soon. Maybe that will be a new year's resolution. ANYway, to the important stuff:  it's an OUTFIT OF THE DAY POST!
Annnnd if i'm feeling really blog happy I might push myself to finish a 'Celeb style for less' post. If not, then you know what to look forward to next update! I already got the celeb outfit picked out and ready to find bargains to match it.  

On Friday, I went out to a lovely dinner to my favorite Italian restaurant here in Athens, and I finally wore my new houndstooth trousers with my favorite platform stilettos, yum! 


It just so happens that while looking through the latest fashion news today I came across a paparazzi photo of Gaga FULLY decked out in houndstooth print. I got these trousers months ago and I just saw this picture today. Sometimes my fashion intuition really gets the best of me. 
Once I saw that I thought, "If Gaga's wearing it, I must be doing something right!" 

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Click for larger/detailed image


                            Close-up detail of pattern:


                  Lady Gaga: 

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Not my best pictures this time around, but they will have to do. I got to remember it's about the outfits here, not the looks. I have some more pictures of Friday night with my jacket and hat on....but that deserves a separate post altogether because my hat is something very unique and special to me. I am very excited to have found it! I'll talk all about it in the follow-up post! 


Until next time, ~Happy Shopping

1. Earrings - vintage
2. Blue off-the-shoulder shirt - Alloy
3. Black skinny belt - H&M
4. Houndstooth trouser pant - H&M
5. Platform stiletto heels - Charlotte Russe 
6. Grey military trench coat - H&M 

Friday, November 18, 2011

Versace for H&M

Hello Fashion Followers,                              
This update is going to be a review of the brand merge that happened last week between Versace and H&M! For a limited time only - Versace is putting out amazing pieces for prices anyone can afford. However, the prices are very high end for a store like H&M. But, if you love fashion and always wanted something with a high-end brand name, you could get one of Versace's unique pieces from the H&M November collection, without having to be behind in credit card payments for nine months! 

I think designers should do collaborations like this more often. Since they have the ability to sell their things cheaper, and they definitely know their pieces are going to sell. I think even after this Fashion Show that took place about a week and a half ago, things are already selling out fast. I would love to invest on an item, since it is a once and lifetime chance. 


Here are some pictures I found of the event that I liked the best!





The red suit for guy's is probably my FAVORITE! If I saw a guy wearing that, I salute him, because he knows what's up! It reminds me of something Scott D. would wear. (Kourtney Kardashian's man)
He might be a weirdo, but you can't deny that man has got style like I've never seen before! 

I guess when you look at the runway show it's hard to picture what the clothes would look like on a normal body type, but I browsed the website to see the individual pieces that I loved and here's:
MY TOP PICKS!

***Click on any dress to make the image bigger***

Honestly, I would take all of these dresses. Each one could be worn at different occasions. 
1. Black - club
2. Pink - daytime 
3. Purple - wedding, event, dinner
4. Red - wedding, party, gala, award show 

The list is endless! I think I love the purple though. It's different and very classy. 
And that color is beautiful. Put on some gold crystal platform heels (Like the pair posted in my 'oh my god shoes' post) and you are ready to rule the world with your fabulous outfit! I also have to mention there was the Versace leather coat with the Greek key design going around the bottom hem in gold jewels. That piece is just...I don't have words but I knew that is something I really couldn't afford. I think it was around $300.00? Yeah, so when I get a job we will talk. :-D

Hope you liked the review today. What do you think about Versace's limited time pieces at H&M??? 


Sunday, November 13, 2011

-Coming soon to Anna's Closet-

Hello Fashion Lovers, 
This post is going to be short and sweet. You know school comes mighty early! 


I bought new shoes today. They haven't arrived yet but they are en-route!
Steve Madden is the man, and did I mention these bad larrys had a fabulous sale price of 50% off?

How could I refuse? I couldn't, so...I got them. lol
These are not just any shoes, these are....BLUE SUEDE SHOES. 



Does that mean when I walk into a room I will have Elvis playing from my cell as my theme song for my entrance? I think soOoOoooO! 


Track NEEDS to played along with this pic. to show the full potential.

THE MUSIC STARTS AT :12 sec. - Enjoy :-) 



Yeah, that just happened. lol
Until next time, ~HAPPY SHOPPING

Friday, November 11, 2011

Friday F.uSic

It's that time again, a showcase of the best tracks out there to get you pumpin' for your Friday night! 

It really is amazing how a song can make you feel. I put club music on to give me just enough confidence and energy to get me ready for a crazy night of dancing and fun! 


Hope you enjoy these tunes as much as I do! 


PLAYMEN - REPRESENTING GREECE, I AM SO PROUD!



"Don't ask me why I smoke - I don't know. But I drink to get drunk"


"Hallelujah, I love you."
**FAVORITE**
This song is absolutely enchanting and beautiful

When you find great songs, you can just feel the music through your entire body...Or is that just me? lol
Seriously, music is a drug.


HAVE A GREAT FRIDAY NIGHT EVERYONE!
xoxo

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Celebrity Style for Les$!

Hello Fashion Lovers,
I am sooooo excited because I absolutely adore making 'celeb style' posts! 
Since a lot of us take our inspiration from celebrities, it is always essential to know how to find celebrity style, and pay a lot less for it!
I am definitely not able to spend a ton of money on brand names, but it is important to me to stay with the trends of today.
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Now here is my style icon, KIM KARDASHIAN. Although I don't particularly like her personality, I have to admit her and her sisters know how to freaking dress!!!

This is one of my absolute FAVORITE outfits that she wore to an event! And, it is totally appropriate this winter because sequin is in! Ms. Kim is very ahead in predicting trends, that is also why she is admirable. 

To see details: Click for larger image
1. Sequin crop - Nasty Gal, Gold sequin blazer - Victoria's Secret......................$ 98.00/158.00 (little pricey)
2. Essential layer tank top - Forever 21....................................................$ 2.80
3. Aztec jewel earrings - Forever 21.......................................................$ 5.80
4. Straight leg trouser/black - ZARA.......................................................$ 47.95
5. Laminated Heel/gold shoe - ZARA........................................................$ 62.00
6. Clutch with tacs - ZARA..................................................................$ 94.00 (could def. do without it lol)


I couldn't specifically find a 'cropped' sequin jacket. But that is fine. It's not about copying 100% but making it look as similar as possible so you look stylish and sophisticated.

I actually like the earrings I have instead of the ones Kim is wearing.
Also, she is not holding any bag, so I just found a simple clutch that I thought would match and complete the 'ready to wear look.'

What do you all think? 
Like it, LOVE IT, or Hate it?
 

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A SIDE NOTE: A lot of fashion blogs that I follow all have amazing outfits, but my complaint is most of them have really expensive things. I sort of lose my way about what I want my blog to portray. When I look at other high fashion blogs I start to think - I want it to be only about the outfits I put together and wear on a daily basis.....But then I realize that this was not the original concept I had in mind when I made my blog. Besides the fact, it would cost me a TON of money, because I would have to shop all the time to keep up with trends in order to make outfit posts.

I really enjoy magazines that give people practical tips and tricks in finding their own style. I think having a blog about fun fashion things is more gratifying. I am not taking anything away from all the other amazing blogs I follow, but I feel some get way too serious, and it gives off a message of snobbishness...Unless, that is the idea they were going for with their blog...Oh well, who knows?

For now, I am staying true to my character and I am going to try hard to continue this blog with a fun outlook into fashion!

Until Next Time, ~HAPPY SHOPPING

Monday, October 31, 2011

Wish List: Shoes

YAY! I'm on a roll, two posts this week, and hopefully more to come.

Due to time issues I have to make the best out of a bad situation. I have been meaning to take pictures of my outfits this week, but something keeps happening and I am not able to! :-(

So for now, I hope you enjoy my wish lists. They are of things that I wish to purchase - but it is also a showcase of the best trends this season!

As you will notice, this is the year of the platform, ankle straps, suede, embellishments and 
GLITTER SEQUIN!!! 
Truth is, any type of unique shoe is acceptable these days 
that's why it is so fun to dress up with a different look all the time. 

My outfit most-likely starts with a pair of my favorite shoes, and then I figure out the rest. 

One day I can be in flirty mood and wear peep toe wedges and a babydoll dress, or other days I feel tough and want to put on my combat boots, ripped jeans, an oversized sweater and just go...

If anyone asked me why I love fashion so much, it is because of this. Whether we like it or not, people will automatically define you by what you are wearing, and your 'style,' even if they never talk to you.I like being mysterious, and I don't like fitting in to a specific 'type' of anything. I like trying different looks all the time so people can't be so quick to judge who I am, without really getting to know me.

Just like an actor likes playing different characters, Fashion acts like a similar mechanism for me, it's a way I can play around with different moods just by changing my clothes.

Click for larger Image

Do I have to pick my favorites out of this wishlist?
I really rather not...'cause I would gladly take them all. 

I swear I could never have enough shoes. There are soooo many different styles, it becomes too difficult to choose which one is my favorite. I can't explain it exactly. When you are deciding what jacket you want, for example, (there are many different styles) but at the end of the day, you pick the most practical one that goes with most of your things. 

Shoes cannot be chosen that way. Can you even compare a platform stiletto heel, with a black leather boot, with a ballerina flat? They are all practical, they are all needed in a girl's closet,
therefore they just can not and should not be compared.  
This is why I am forever going to have a shoe problem. I will never be able to just pick one, and even after I do make that heart-wrenching decision, I never seem certain that it was the right choice. 
_________________________________
What's YOUR favorite type of shoes? Which would you pick from the 'wishlist'. Why?
I would love to hear your opinions!
Until Next Time, ~Happy Shopping (but budget wisely) ahaha

1. Mary Jane patent leather pump (in red) - Charlotte Russe
2. Leigh beige patent leather ballerina - ASOS
3. Double t-bar leather and suede platform - ASOS
4. Cut-out snake skin bootie, Jeffry Campbell - Lulus
5. Black and wood t-bar platform - ASOS
6. Gold ice glitter platform - Celeb. Boutique
7. Black crackled leather zipper boot - ASOS
8. Beige spiked bow peep sling back - Charlotte Russe 

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Wish List: Jackets

Same story, different day. Updates have been slow, as it seems my pocket can't handle endless shopping. It also has been hard to find inspiration, when you know you can't afford to buy all the new looks. It takes real skill to pick out a certain item out of all the amazing new trends and hope that it is the one that will be timeless and wearable over and over again. 

Starting my Holiday Spirit with 'wish list: jackets' I put together some of the new jacket trends we will be seeing this winter! Of course I would love all of them, but we shall see how Santa treats me this year! ahahah

Click for larger image

My absolute favorites of this list is #'s - 1, 4, 6, and 8.

But I have to say I am loving the new shag faux fux style that is coming out this year.
Bohemian Chic feels soo good to dress up in! There is something about that era that is so artsy and expressive that is just cool to re-create.

What I forgot to put on the list is a faux fur leopard coat. That is because last winter I got one from Forever21 and luckily it is back in winter fashion, even more so than last year, therefore I didn't need to put that on my wishlist, since I already own one!

Out of all the coats, the most practical is the long trench and the black leather jacket. Those two coats can be used with a number of outfits year after year, and still look good.
So if I really had to choose, I would need to get a leather jacket. It's weird I don't already have one. And it is important that your leather jacket is light enough to be worn as an accessory piece to an outfit, and can look good in other seasons. Heavy leather jackets are only appropriate in winter.

What do you think about the jackets wish list? Which one is your favorite and why? 

Until next time, ~Happy Shopping
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1. Long pea/trench coat: Lulus
2. Sand cape coat: Charlotte russe
3. faux fur shag coat: Asos
4. Comfy suede and wool: Nasty Gal
5. Make love not war coat: Asos
6. Pointy shoulder leather jacket: Lulus
7. Leopard shrug: Betsy Johnson
8. Aztec w/ ribbon over-size sweater: Asos 

Friday, October 21, 2011

Friday F.uSic

Ok, i'm just lovin' these music posts lately.
Feel free to completely goooo wild with this new Rihanna track ft. Calvin Harris.

OH.MY.GOD! WHAT A HOT VIDEO

sadly, putting other videos out this week to shame.....


Pay attention to detail; Rihanna's American flag vest is sooo in right now! Thumbs up for American Pride! :-D

Thursday, October 6, 2011

New Header! &New Cool Stuff

I am very excited that I finally figured out to make a nice header for my blog!
Well, it took me long enough! 
The clothes in the background are an actual snap shop of my closet right now! :-D
I've been playing around more and more with my camera to see if I can get better quality shots. Soo, why not show off the stuff I took pictures of!? What do you think?



My summer Chanel scent!

New 'Lipstick' Necklace - Berska

Adorned with Wisdom Owl Necklace - a favorite!

Sorry for the quick update, I got school work BLAH! I am lucky to have even updated in the first place! What can I do, I'm completely obsessed. I just want to keep working to make this blog better and better. It is so addicting. Hence.....the 'Fix' it gives me! ahaha

Love you all 
Until next time, 
          ~HAPPY SHOPPING~xoxo

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Outfit of the day - Innocent Grunge

Hey my fashion followers,
 I know I haven't had a post in a while. As usual, schoolwork is catching up to me and I am finding less and less free time to devote to my favorite hobby!

I will say that I have been out and shopping, so I do have some goodie posts on the way! The question is 'when' i am going to be able to update though!

Playing around with my wardrobe, I titled my outfit for the day 'INNOCENT GRUNGE.' The combat boots with sheer black tights always adds that touch of toughness into any look. To set off the harshness from the combat boots I put it with a girly form-fitting flower dress and my favorite 'bow' headband. I threw my black blazer on because it was a little chilly - but it ended up completing my casual/grunge/girly look!

Overall, I am very pleased with the way this turned out! :-)


     A CLOSER LOOK: Headband

1. Dress - Blanco 
2. Tights - Sheer (rite aid)
3. Boots - Greek shoe store 
4. Blazer - H&M
5. Headband - Charlotte Russe 

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Outfit of the day

Here's an outfit I put together yesterday:
I think the vest I got in February fits in perfectly with this year's fall fashion trend. I am sorry ahead of time that my backdrop isn't as nice as when I took the wedding pictures. 
The lighting is everything and in my apartment it doesn't take good shots. The pictures in front of that white curtain was taken at my boyfriend's house. 

Anyway, for some reason I think the pictures I took in my apartment look....weird, I don't know. 
Check em' out for yourselves!



        A Closer Look:


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1. Vest - Blanco clothing
2. Floral Shirt - Kirra @pacsun 
3. Gold Necklace - Alloy.com
4. Fringe bag - H&M

5. Shorts - American Eagle outfitters 
6. Wood and Leather strap shoes - BERSHKA 

I had a lot of fun with this post, definitely stay tuned for more of these to come! YAY
Until next time, 
          ~HAPPY SHOPPING~

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Simple in Champagne.

Last night I attended a friend's wedding. And, as promised I have uploaded what I wore last night for this special occasion.

I titled this post, 'Simple in Champagne' because I didn't want to over-do it. I just wanted a simple, sophisticated look. Sometimes, the simpler the outfit, the classier. And that is exactly what I did to achieve this look.

Close-up of embellished shoulder

As you can see the dress has a lovely champagne/beige color and the embellishments are in black and silver. To dress this look up a little more I wore my black strappy platforms, one black ring with faux diamonds, and a silver ankle bracelet. 

I didn't feel that any necklace or long earrings were necessary because the embellished shoulder is an accessory in itself. Too much sparkle around the face would look too gaudy. 

1. Dress - Forever 21 
2. Shoes - Jessica Simpson collection 


A shopping trip is in order very soon! I need to start uploading some looks, I'm quite bored with my posts lately. I'm going to try to spice it up a little people!

Friday, September 16, 2011

FuSIC

I'm blog-happy today, updating twice in row.....
Already thinking about doing a third that just came to my mind.

I haven't posted any f.usic updates since May, so today I'd like to showcase these three songs that have been blasting up my headphones like crazy lately!




I may be a dork - but Selena Gomez is ADORABLE!


Feel free to love these songs too! :-D

Now get your bad-self dressed and ready to go,

cause it's FRIDAY NIGHT!!!

Fashion's Night Out - Athens review.

Not taken by me. 

As some of you fashion followers may know, VOGUE hosts this 'Fashion's Night Out" event to globally celebrate in all the major cities. On September 8th, it was hosted in NYC, LA, and Miami! Luckily for me Athens was also having this VOGUE event September 15th....In other words, yesterday. 

After seeing all the pictures from other cities, I thought this was going to be one of the coolest night's in Athens. To make a long story short, I was TOTALLY WRONG
1ST: Why would they call the event "Fashion's Night Out," when it ended at 9 at night? 
2ND: There wasn't even any signs around promoting the event, as it was going on.
3RD: The center of Athens was cleaned and cleared of people even before 9, like nothing had even happened there. Like a ghost town??? Weird. 

So, basically I went just to get a T-Shirt, which I didn't even find. And I don't even have pictures, because it really was an embarrassment to VOGUE, Greece. Next year they need better special event planners, and better promotion. This was really upsetting to me. 

But then again, it won't really matter what they do next year...because i'll be back home in lovely New York, and I would much rather attend FNO in NY then in Athens. Anything compared to NY events is kind of considered a joke. 

I wish I had something more exciting to tell you all
I was sooo looking foward to uploading everything about this cool
fashion event, but it was all-around so disappointing...

This weekend I'll be attending a wedding so I have a great excuse to dress up and take pictures! Hopefully I'll be uploading those very soon! And I plan on taking a little fall shopping trip over the weekend, so I will have some fun posts coming up! 

Until Next Time, ~HAPPY SHOPPING~

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

A 'must-have' Close-up!

This post goes along with; 'Fall Fashion Trend Report'
It gets a separate post because it has specific details on where to purchase each item!

Click for Larger Image. 

Can't forget about our colored blazers ladies! 
1. Forever 21                         2. Vintage 80's                    3. H&M
4. Top Shop U.K                  5. ASOS                              6. Forever 21
7. Lulus


[Scroll below this post for the full fashion report - Fall 2011]

Fall Fashion Trend Report

Good evening fashion addicts
I guess you can say fall fashion is in full swing because trend reports having been coming out like crazy. And that means... summer is officially over! WAH :-( 
I had a couple of summer outfit pictures I was planning on posting, but I've been procrastinating. Now I think it is too late and rather pointless. I feel it would ruin the flow of my fashion reporting. Even if the outfits were extremely cute, it would look bad on my timing skills. 

So let's jump right into the new material, shall we? 

Fashion magazines everywhere are putting out their take on this fall's fashion trends. There are so many great looks I have come across that I want to post - but I have been known to be quite a ranter, so i'm trying to keep my blog as simple and clear-cut as possible and not rear too far from the topic. (i.e as I am already kind of doing here...)
I think these are the MOST IMPORTANT PIECES  that people should be shopping for this fall!!!  

Click for Larger Image.
Click for Larger Image.

There are soOoOo many different trends this fall that I was going to makes collages on each specific trend (like I already did for the 'sequin' picture) but, all the trends were used with each other that I thought an overall picture using all the trends at once gives a better idea! 

I am REALLY excited about these 'new' but 'old' styles! I can't wait to start putting outfits together! Hopefully sooner than later - I will be getting pictures up of how I worked with these trends in my everyday life! 

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING! 

Thursday, September 8, 2011

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Today I started my classes for the fall semester. One day closer to graduating in June 2012! YAY
Although I wasn't as excited for school to start as I usually am, I still tried to find a cute outfit to put together. I know that as the year drags on.....so will my style. And the colder it gets the more and more it will be unlikely of me to dress nice for school. At least we have the first day of school. A day of new beginnings, new experiences, and especially new first impressions.

That is why I decided to take some pics of what I wore today! Also, it is because I had a request from one of my blog followers to do so! ;-P So this one is for you!

As a heads up, I don't have a tripod for my camera in order to take far-away, sideways shots....so we have to compromise for now with the weird choppy angels I took the pictures from.



Why this look?
*You can never go wrong with a pair of jean shorts to start off the look

*The red orange shirt with the gold accented shoulders are a really summery color combination

*From there the gold and brown shoes come into play

*Accessories are -the brown belt, to match the little brown in the sandals. 
 -The gold/turquoise necklace. The red-orange shirt is a bright color as it is, so you can use turquoise accessories to make a noticeable contrast, and the two colors look great next to each other.  


I guess that about wraps it up. I better get my beauty rest - 8 AM comes mighty early, it's already 2! Goodnight :-D
Until next time, ~HAPPY SHOPPING~
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Top: Candie's @Kohls
Necklace: Forever21
Belt: H&M
Shorts: American Eagle
Shoes: Tsakiris Mallas GREECE (exe)

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The Great Debate: Maxi Dresses II

5
Now that I am finally back from my long vacation, I'm ready to get to work in full swing with trend reports. I know by this time blogs are already talking about fall fashion, but I wanted to be a little unconventional and catch up on a couple more summer fashions that I missed since I had no access to a computer while I was away.

About a month ago I had brought up the topic of the MAXI DRESS. That first post focused on how women wore the wrong type of maxi.  The fact that it is a long dress, it important to be-careful of certain hemlines and patterns, because it can make the dress look too obnoxious or give a weird shape to even the most perfect body types. 

This post is dedicated to maxi dresses done right. And even though I was a non-believer, that no matter what I tried, a maxi dress was never going to look right on me - finally, I found one. The only one that I think fit me great, and looked very simple and pretty. 

Warning: It's going to be a lengthy post, so please bear with me people.

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The Hits. (Click on any of the images to make them larger)

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1. Kiera Knightly and Nicole Richie both have very thin and straight body types, and both of their maxi dresses fit tightly enough around their shape, which makes these dresses look even better on them.
Jessica Alba (the middle pic) has a little more meat and is curvier so her maxi dress works perfectly in a number of ways. The solid color goes great with her complexion and it doesn't over accentuate her curves in an obnoxious way. The hem line under the bust also makes her waist appear smaller, and the halter top gives her the right support while also creating a great bust shape. The simplicity of the dress is really what makes it look gorgeous.

2. Hilary Duff's maxi works because of the top v-neck halter that accentuates her bust line. The v shape that continues to the waist line is also appealing to the eye and makes the waist look slightly tinier as well. The hemline around the bottom portion of the dress that widens takes the attention away from the hips. This kind of dress would be beneficial for those who are bottom heavy and don't like dresses that are too tight around the hip area. Also, the pattern and that specific color blue are subtle and simple enough, and the colorblock pieces of turquoise gives it a little extra pop of character, while breaking up the redundancy of the pattern. 

3. Miley Cyrus' maxi is a little more high-end with chiffon/nylon fabrics, which may not be worn in an everyday setting but I wanted to use it as an example of how color, pattern, length, and top support is done perfectly. An off-white with any color is beautiful, and the red flower pattern is not overdone to an extreme. The length of the dress could be a tad shorter but it is not too long, so she doesn't look like she is 'swimming' in her maxi, unlike other pictures we have seen in the [maxi misses post]. The rounded collar, the long slit in the middle of the bust and the tight fit waist gives her a nice top shape and makes her torso appear longer and thinner. Amazingly done. 

4. Kim Kardashian - (otherwise referred to as my STYLE ICON) has yet again blown me away with her taste in style. However, if you remember my girl also made the 'misses' list!!! I did that on purpose to show that not every dress is created equal. While one maxi may look good on some, may look terrible on others. It's really important to pay attention to the details in order to find that right fit. With me, I found what works and what doesn't with research, trial and error. Not only did Kim pull off this maxi dress - this is my favorite maxi dress look EVER! I wish i had come across a dress like this I would have bought it in a heartbeat. It's quite common knowledge that Kim is not known for being the skinniest celebrity in Hollywood. That's why I love that she wore this maxi dress. It shows that even curvy girls can look great in one. Kim's dress does fit tight enough around her curves to accentuate but not exaggerate. Cream and white are also light natural summer colors that appeal to the eye. The denim jacket also works great here because it's a timeless piece of clothing, solid color, that breaks up the pattern on the dress, yet simultaneously working as an accessory piece to give something extra to the final look. 

5. (TOP PICTURE) Vanessa Hudgens wore the most simple and comfortable maxi dress look out there, and ooo yes - girl did it too perfect! An all cotton charcoal grey dress. No accentuating hemlines, no patterns, just a pure, unadulterated maxi at its finest. It flows on her body where it is not too tight nor too loose. The length is perfect because it is not too short either. The accessories take the cake here, which polish up the final product. The low rise belt resting on the hips show off her curves, while also hiding her hips from popping out (if that is a main concern for some) Along with the long necklace, oversized sunglasses and tote just make it so boho and comfortable. Well done. This is my second favorite maxi look!
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Real life maxi scenarios

My beautiful cousin Angela - working her maxi right! I'm so proud! The colors and pattern are summery and mesh well together. The Indian print is totally in this year so it looks great. Angela also wisely used her timeless denim jacket to give her dress that extra flare - just like Kim K! The length is also not too short, yet short enough to show off sexy summer sandals. That's always important too! Absolutely loved this whole look! 
Courtesy of Bebe

This was my maxi dress of the summer. There are tightening hemlines throughout the top to the bottom of the dress, but as the dress goes down the fabric becomes wider so it is not too tight around my hips. (Which, is something i try to avoid because I am rather bottom heavy in proportion with my body shape) The length of this dress does hit the floor and my shoes only show when I am walking but I prefer longer lengths than shorter. However, it is not too long where I am tripping on the bottom. The top ruffles are my favorite part of the whole dress. The bow in the middle can also be used to tie around my neck as a halter look which makes my neck look longer and thinner. The peachy/coral with white is also another reason i was drawn toward this dress. And the pattern didn't bother me either. All in all I was truly satisfied with my maxi. 
Courtesy of Mudd clothing co. - @Kohls ($39.99)

What are your thoughts? Was I a HIT -or- MISS?