Monday, October 3, 2011

Flat As A Board




There's a waifish, sleek and streamlined affect achieved by the ability of some women to look essentially flat-chested. Said look is achieved above. It was also popular during the flapper era and is quintessential Audrey Hepburn.

Now, I know that in general women spend a lot of time getting larger boobs, and buy special bras just to give them more mmph. But as a matter of personal preference, there are certain styles that I would like to wear -- namely blousy tops-- that just would look better if my chest were... flatter. I've taken to wearing sports bras if the shirt's neckline is discrete enough to not reveal the tacky racer straps. Am I the only amply endowed female who tries to emulate this look? Am I the only one using sports bras for things that are not their intended purpose (namely, to sweat in)?

There is, of course, no way I'm walking around without a bra on, even though that might help the the flat effect a little. I know other women do it. And I just don't think it's a good idea -- especially if I were to get cold. But I can't help but think I am committing a fashion crime at the same time by flattening what most women try very hard to boost. With a sports bra, no less. You'd think they would make them with lacy straps or something, if this were really a legit thing to do. Meh.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Street Looks From All Over The World

Sifting through websites, looking for inspiration, I found my way to www.elle.com and checked out their Global Street Style pictures. They had almost 300 pictures in there. Below are all the looks that spoke loudest to me and why I find them so fabulous.



On the Street, Casablanca: This outfit is pretty simple, nothing too crazy. No one will think you are obsessed with fashion if you walk out in this. I like that it's understated in this way. I also like that she cuffed the skinny jeans and made them so cropped. I think that makes the whole thing. That and the light-colored button down shirt under her bomber jacket. Nice.




On The Street, Bucharest: I totally would wear some version of this outfit. I love the color blocking. And I love the bag. It's very Emilio Pucci-esque. The pink boots are extravagantly loud and yet comfy/practical all at the same time. They reiterate a surprising rule of shoes I learned years ago (coincidentally, when I bought MY first pink pair!:)) Shoes with color are a lot more versatile than you think they are, and you'll have a lot more fun wearing them. I also like the skinny camel colored belt. Note to self -- I need one of those.




On The Street, Bratislava: Does this not wreak of drama? I'm not sure I would try to pull this off, but it speaks to my inner child that played dress up. That vest, those shoes, those long chains! Even her posture says, "I do what I want," and "I'm not afraid to be noticed". Both are interesting statements to be wearing. I'm not sure when the last time was I wore either of those statements so boldly.



On The Street, Barcelona: Did I mention that I love skinny jeans and boots? The crispness and sophistication of this outfit. Ah. It's so breezy and refreshing. The sunglasses almost give this person an air of unreachable, but I think it adds to the allure of the whole outfit. I love the fresh brightness of her top. Of course, none of these pieces are daring at all. But that's one of the things I love about it. It's a little safe, but safe can be very pretty and classy. And comfortable.



On The Street Amsterdam: This outfit is proof that a simple, sleek style can pack a punch. Another thing about this outfit -- from the jewelry, to the bag, to the dress, everything pops! The editing on this outfit frees you of distractions, which makes each piece stand out. They are each so unique. The necklace becomes kinda mesmerizing, doesn't it? And she looks so put together that you forget her hair is kinda messy. Maybe she left her hair that way to tie in her more rough-looking handbag. I love the earthy tones of her shoes and handbag. Although, in practice, I'm not sure I'd go for such a big bag. but it does look fun and I love the rich color of the leather. There's not much there, but each part of this outfit gets its moment to shine.



On The Street, Portland: Ok, this outfit is SO daring. Dare to bare those fabulous legs. And those boots. I love the mid-calf length. And she wore a light-colored boot, which breaks up her leg-line, even while being a shorter frame! I think it looks gorgeous. I'm starting to be converted to the idea that mid-calf boots are a short girl's best friend, or at least one of them. The jacket has such a fabulous shape and print. Everything else is just a compliment to it. What an excellent demonstration of how to make good use of a statement piece. And did I mention I love her ridiculously huge sunglasses? Even her hair, voluptuous, and shaped perfectly. I'm in love.



On The Street, also Portland: There are a few things that fascinate me about the smartness of this outfit. First, her color choices are excellent. Hello yellow! Also, that print under her sweater is something that, alone, would be way too big and bold and overwhelming for a slight frame (like me), but with a sweater to calm it down a little, it's fabulous! And how crazy is the idea that a bright yellow cardy would be calming anything down?! And yet it does. Also, she's not wearing skinny jeans with her boots! They're a straight-leg cut. This relieves me because 1) I think she looks adorable, and 2) I have done the same thing and wondered if it made me look sloppy. Of course, I could still have looked sloppy, but at least I know it's not because of the combo of those two pieces. :)



On The Street, Chicago: I love the wide-leg jeans. I also love the belted sweater and the puffy layering of the whole thing. She looks so put together, and yet she's totally cozied up and bundled. Her figure is in there somewhere. You can't really see it. But she still looks sophisticated. It takes a woman with inner confidence to know she can look that hot while being that covered up. The jury's still out on the length of her jeans -- I think they would would drive me crazy and fray at the bottom in no time. And I like clean leg lines, which you don't get here. But I still like the look.



On The Street, Singapore: So edgy. Her hair, for one thing, is totally edgy. And then that extreme crop to her jacket. Her shoes in their light gray. She is modern art walking. And then you have that organic-looking claw on her long, pendant necklace. It's a total contrast to the rest of the outfit. I'm not sure how to incorporate any of these rules in my own dress. I could never pull off that hair cut. But I really like the idea of this outfit. I really do.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Red Carpet: Miranda Kerr



Of course, a well-placed ruching effect never hurt anyone's sexpot factor. Miranda Kerr is smoking it up in this pale green number on August, 29th, 2011.

Red Carpet: Kiera Knightley




Sometimes patterns can be overwhelming. But here, the look is gorgeous! The detail around the neck and torso is a beautiufl contrast to the rest of the dress. Of course, it also doesn't hurt that Kiera Knightley calmed everything else down, with nude shoes, light makeup and a sleek do. So pretty. Thanks Adrian, for pointing me to it!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Pops of Color



I am all for ridiculously bright pops of color. I love the red in what might otherwise be an average black & white dress that you've seen a million times before. And the two tone shoes! I love two tone shoes. And being adorable Sarah Jessica Parker doesn't hurt either.



And then, you have pops of color ALL OVAH! This outfit is adorable on Zoe Saldana. I don't know how much I would actually copy. I'm just not sure if my complexion could handle that much bright color. But I DO like mixing and matching colors that may otherwise seem unrelated -- which this outfit does. The other part of this outfit that can be hard for curvier figures -- the loose, draping fit. Admittedly, when I try tops like this, I wear a sports bra to pretend I'm flat and avoid the "Thoroughly Modern Milly" problem of not having the beads hang flat. I think it works, but I've never heard of anyone else trying to flatten their chest before, so I'm not really sure if I am committing the ultimate fashion faux pas when I do this or not. Who knows. Maybe Zoe is wearing a sports bra too. :)

Oh, and I love the sexy, sexy effect with the satin sheen on her clothes and those strappy black heels! Don't forget the shoes. Shoes are very important.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Louis Vuitton Highlights

I stumbled upon Louis Vuitton's 2012 RST Line and there were several things that caught my.



OK, I'm just a sucker for dresses. This one has some lovely leathery details (see shoulders) and the skirt is so full & drapy. I love it.



Skinny-style slacks at ankle-length. If you'd have asked me 10 years ago if I would every love this style, my answer would have been a resounding NO. But I would have lied, because I absolutely love the skinny leg look. And with a cute top & bomber jacket! I am SO going to do that.



High-waisted pants. Jury's still out. I know I love high-waisted skirts, so it seems to carry over that, given the right fit, I would also like high-waisted pants. They're so 80's. But not TOO 80's. And I love a good throw-back outfit. But I'm still not really sure. Other opinions?

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Hot Librarian Is Always In



This look is from Anthropologie's new arrivals for Fall. I love it. It's hot librarian meets spanish dancer. And a healthy dose of bold red never hurt anyone.

Red Carpet: January Jones


This is not new, but new to me -- January Jones at the SAG Awards this past January, 2011. The dress's print brings to mind classic carpet-bag material/doilly/fringed lamp shade. It's beautiful with the antique print and the deep velvet-y black that contrasts. Her dark eyes are a perfect compliment. I also love the mermaid cut.



The back is just as gorgeous. What a stunner!

I love the uptight hair a little less. I probably would have gone for something more modern -- either shorter in length or less librarian. But she looks very sleek. And her fair skin looks so pretty! Yeah for gorgeous AND cancer free.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Red Carpet: Cate Blanchett




Oh, to be statuesque and stunning like Cate Blanchett. This is Ms. Blanchett at the 2011 Oscars red carpet. The pops of yellow on the dress are amazing and the details are so mesmerizing!

I totally don't like the back of the dress -- it's just a couple of crisscrossed straps:



I think it looks half done and more like an apron than a gown. And even though I don't go for backless dresses, even if I did this look is totally unflattering. I bet Cate Blanchett has a sexy back, but in this dress it looks like she has a chubby back. Not cute at all. Did I mention I hate the back?

But the front -- picture perfect. And she did a great job pulling off that light and airy lavender hue. It looks great even with her light, ivory complexion! Her hair is done very simple, so it's not distracting. But it's still polished and done -- just the right amount. And with that excellent make-up job that compliments the whole look, her eyes totally pop.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Red Carpet: Blake Lively



Blake at the Teen Choice Awards Sunday, August 7th. What I love about this look:

1) The almost leathery fabric of that dress. (I think it might actually BE leather) Sexy!

2) All that contrast: those snakeskin shoes, that orange color, those drop-down earrings -- all with a perfect tan. They make a great ensemble, and yet are totally non-matchy-matchy. And how summery! She looks like a perfect maui sunset with that turquoise backdrop.

I kinda wish she'd pulled her hair back into a tight ponytail, to stick with her tucked in, stream-lined look, but that's kinda nit-picky. Really, she looks fabulous.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Ooh, It's Shiny




I think it started a few years ago, when Theory came out with an all-sequin top. I fell in love. Of course, I don't have anything in sequins in my collection at the moment. And typically, clothes with lots of sequins are expensive (maybe a supporting reason why I don't have a sequin piece). And there are definitely right and wrong ways to do them. But it doesn't change the fact that I love them. Love, love,love.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Red Carpet: Olivia Wilde



Here's a stunning look, as worn by Olivia Wilde at the premiere of "The Change-Up". A lot like the simple style of Princess Katherine, with a dress in a solid color and a classic cut. And yet, it's got those Balenciaga-like shaped shoulders -- BOLD! I like it.

I also love her sleeked out hair with the cute fringe bangs.



And is it possible I see not just one, but TWO, starlets in chic and demure attire? Picture proof, right here, with Olivia and her costar, Leslie Mann.

Tragically, Leslie's hair looks frizzy and dry, her red lipstick makes her look kinda washed out and she's suffering from shiny forehead. But, standing next to Olivia Wilde, who wouldn't look a little more "less than perfect"? Really, she's still gorgeous.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Sock Hop It To Me



I saw this on pinterest. I have been LOV-ING the 50's and 60's era sock hop skirts with various tops. This ensemble here is just classic. Except I wouldn't wear the horizontal stripes. But they work on this little waif. :)

Here's the link

Friday, July 29, 2011

Four Things I Love About This Dress



1) It's something I could actually wear

2) The cut-out in the front. It isn't really risque, but it's intriguing and fun

3) The seam on the back of the dress at the waist. Can we say flattering?

4) The sleeves. They are so different.

It's a Zac Posen. He did a good job.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Blushing for the Bride


Ben asked me why I love shoes so much. In light of what inspired him to ask the question, I had to think hard. His inspiration, of course, was my shoe purchase just moments prior -- a new pair of blush colored pumps in snakeskin with a matte finish. And as crazy as it sounded, my response to him seemed completely logical to me. It’s not so much that I love them as I find that wearing the right shoe with something is necessary. I don’t love them. I need them. It’s beyond love, my love.

How could one need blush heels that cost $140?? Let me tell you.

I have a wedding to go to. The bride’s colors are pink and green accented with black. I just so happen to have a black skirt that has embroidery on it with pink and green, with which I normally wear a pink top with a green jacket. Perfect! But then I run into shoe trouble.

1) I normally wear matte black leather pumps with this outfit. And for a summer wedding in August, black, chunky closed-toe pumps are too wintry.

2) I can’t wear black flats either, as I am too short to be able to pull off the look of the outfit without heels.

3) Other, cheaper blush-colored shoes are patent leather varieties, which are too shiny and showy for my outfit that is less polish-y and somewhat understated.

4) Blush is the quintessentially perfect color to match my outfit, accommodate the summer season, and fill in as a versatile shoe for a myriad of other outfits in my wardrobe. Can we say
“excellent interview shoe”?
J They’re so on trend, and yet still timeless.

5) Who can say no to snake-skin in blush??

I needed these shoes…. just like I needed those incredibly expensive silver glitter shoes for the wedding last year. It’s not my fault people keep getting married.