The High Bun

As a sophisticated pulled together high-bun emerges back onto the scene, celebrites and fashionistas alike jump on the oppurtunity to show off their inner posh.

Thankfully, the high-bun can work with casual or dressy looks and it's really quick to do and looks like a million bucks for 5 min. worth of prep time. First, start with a high ponytail (keeping in mind that however high the pony tail is, is how high the bun will be) then twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base of the scrunchie then secure with a few bobby pins and spray with hairspray for maximum hold. And viola! A chic completely practical updo for your stylish pleasure.

Just remember that you don't want to keep the look too tight or polished or you'll end up looking like a figure skater. A few misplaced imperfect pieces sticking out here & there are what make it so darn cute :) like a little work of art. Take that Van Gogh!

The Bold Lip

Confidence, thy name is: the bold lip. This look takes some serious ego to pull off, and it seems to be one of the hottest make up trends this season (though the red lip seems to be a style staple dating decades back). Although the red lip is the most popular of the bold lip looks, people with auburn hair (above) like me might want to go with a rich plum hued substitute instead since red can clash with warm hair tones.

I like the edited I-totally-meant-to-put-this-on look that red lipstick has, it's got a very old-Hollywood-glamour charm to it. But, when incorporating the look you'll definently want to have the rest of your face really neutral. Keep the eyeshadow extremely minimal and natural barely-there looking. If you wear heavy eye make up with the bold lip stick you'll look too over done & sloppy. You can add a little mascara for good measure, but mostly the red lipstick is loud enough to pull the look together on its' own. It also takes time and patience to pick the right shade of red, there are ones with blue undertones or yellow undertones and it may take awhile to find the shade that's right for you. So don't rush it, and take your time. You can ask for samples at your beauty counter to gaurentee it's the perfect tint. Because after you find that perfect shade you'll be able to wear it with all the confidence in the world knowing it makes you look amazingly glamorous (*sigh* oh, Gwen Stefani, how we envy you), and without worrying if it's too noticeable.

 The fuschia/ hot pink lip (as my personal favorite) is a more refined yet still out loud take on the "red lip". It's more ideal for "bold lip beginers". I like how it portrays a certain girlyness to it, how it's so look-at-me loud and out there yet somewhat soft and hyper-feminine. Definently a trend to try out! But let me warn, it's not for the timid or faint of heart... that's for sure.

Classic Pieces

   These moodily feminine pieces- so slouchily perfect on Priscilla Presley- are superbly elegant. I adore the elegantly antiqued yet up-to-date appeal they seem to be radiating. It's so polished & put together, giving retro-chic a whole new meaning.

 

This look seems kind of back-in-time-ish but still completely modern. Look for colors that compliment eachother like these when shopping for this look. Note that all the colors are really soft and there aren't any neon brights or standoutish shades. For the soft feminine vibe of these outfits neutral & soft hues are a must.

Think: layers. You can pair an interestingly zany legging pattern with a girly heel and vintage inspired flowy pieces for that head-to-toe classic trendyness. These brilliantly feminine and romanticly stunning pieces have a sort of intricate retro girly-ness with chic undertones. Always keep it playful & girly when experimenting with this look. Loose waves or an unkempt side braid could be a great way to help compliment this style. Some stores that sell clothes of this retro indie variety are:

modcloth.com, lavintage.com, shophallelu.com, threadsence.com, & anthrpologie.com just to name a few. happy shopping :)

Tuxedo Jacket

Menswear by birth but smokingly sexy, this is a throw-it-on-and-change-your-whole-look item- whatever your style. I've found (through extensive trial & error) that just by simply throwing a tuxedo jacket- or blazer (tomato, tomahtoe)- over almost any outfit can instantly make it look more sophisticated & chic. It can be considered one of the biggest staples in any fashionista's wardrobe- and one of my favorite signatures.

Thankfully, tuxedo jackets work with basicallly any outfit you have on (as you can see above). Whether it be shorts, a dress, leggings (heck, even jeggings), jeans, a skirt, etc. When you're shopping for a (full length) tuxedo jacket you typically want the hem to fall just a couple inches below your hips- any lower and it'll look way to big. Or, if you're shopping for a mini or shrunken blazer you'll generally want the hem to end at the spot where there's that curve on ur waist (i.e. the smallest part of ur waist).

Menswear for Women?

Utterly ladylike yet a touch masculine this look simply transcends trendiness. This season menswear inspired looks have been glamourously popping up all over the runway. This is a very posh way to achieve that classic-turns-sexy appeal that's almost irresistibly french- can you say Diane Keaton?

Sometimes it's the most subtle accessories that can make up an entire look or maybe even spiff up an old one. Wearing a men's watch carries a certain allure and is a great way to add a somewhat masculine touch to a decadently girly outfit.

It still seems feminine yet with a more captivating edge. I'm almost always wearing my dad's old Guess watch from the 80s. It's got that pefect indie retro vibe I need to add a flare to whatever ladylike ensemble i'm donning that day. So, I HIGHLY recommend the men's watch look. It's almost too playful to pass up. :)

Horn-rimmed glasses: witty and completely unexpected

also, wildly dramatic. Yet another chic way to add an edge to an outfit. It takes a little more hootspa to pull this one of, so props to Hillary Duff for making it look so irresistibly adorable.

Fedoras, suspenders, oxfords, mens watches, horn-rimmed glasses, etc. Totally Practical, and still completely of the moment. These clean-cut Über-classic pieces exude a fun dress-up mood without being too costumey. I just don't recommend trying more than 2 of these trends at once or you might end up looking like a 1930s paper-boy (and yes, that IS the voice of experience *regretful sigh*). So for example you might JUST wear a fedora & horn- rimmed glasses, or JUST oxfords & suspenders so you don't seem to over-done-back-in-time-ish.

Ruffles

ah, ruffles- & no, i'm not talking about the chip...although they are delcious- no, this is much better than a chip! It's the eptiome of feminism! Well, sorta. I mean you don't see many guys sporting it, right? It's so flirty & girly & just all around fun to wear. Whether it's just a tiny ripple of fabric down the front of a blouse or all-out tiers of flourishes, this deeply feminine embellishment is one of the quickest wayt to add interest to an outfit.

But!, let me warn you that because ruffles crate volume, be sure to counter the effect with something tailored, like a slim jacket or a sleek pair of pants. So when shopping for anything with ruffles,go for a softer, gentler flowy sort of ruffle. You want it to be delicate, not Lady Gaga ish. A good question to ask yourself is, "If I saw this on someone else, would I gawk at them in fear?" also getting someone else's (friend, store employee, parent) opinion on said ruffles before you actually buy it would be a good, heck maybe even great, idea.

Or if you're still a little skeptical about going for ruffles you might want to go for a more subtle appoach- just to get warmed up to them- and don them on a cute strappy heel or flat. But hey, sometimes even the biggest scariest ruffles can be cute ruffles, so go for it! :)

Leopard Print Accessories

                                     

The most iconic of animal prints is showing up all over as this seasons hottest new accessory. With looks ranging from edgy-cool to full-on sexy oh-la-la! Just be careful when trying it out- you don't want to over-do it and end up looking like cat woman.

  To "tame" (ha, get it?) this look I think it works best against solid prints that compliment that pattern (ie blue, red, black, etc.), and you'll definently want to keep it to a minimum. Think of it as a flash of sexy on your outfit, too much and it'll look cheap. In my humble opinion, I think it works best as maybe a shoe or a belt, just something simple to keep the look under control.

This is a decadent take on the iconic fur jacket with all the attitude you could ever hope to convey. This is another great example of how to wear this rich animalistic print. Since it's basically the only color (or print) on the outfit it totally adds a huge compliment to the rest of her fairly neutral ensemble.*eruption of applause* kuddos to you random (stylish) girl on the street!

Camel Colored Blazers

Ahhh, the camel hued blazer, it takes me back...way back. Like, back to the 7th grade lol. After reading in lucky magazine -style spy- this month that camel hued blazers were a hot look this fall I was giddy with delight *claps hands like an idiot*. I skipped to my closet and FINALLY (with dignity!) was able to re-emerge my camel colored blazer I got in the 7th grade (even in all my 13-year-old divine wisdom i was able to forsee this trend ;) lol) to wear once more with pride!

Ooo, such sophisticaton! *clanks wine glass* It's like a fine wine. Historically, this preppy item has channeled a very grown-up sensibilty, which seems to be an important staple in the more sophistocated classy look most designers have been going for this fall (like Louis Vuitton's oh-so proper 50's inspired runway looks). Fashions' most decadent neutral has been appearing in the form of blazers & overcoats on runways such as: Gucci, Chloé, Dries, & Michael Kors- just to name a few. So if you're feeling lucky (,punk.) and want to attempt the look, then try it out for yourself for a truely timeless lady-like appeal.

Fall Fashion 2010

Yayyy finally (!) after a long -& unbelieveably scorching hot- summer, fall is well on its way :) *aplause all around*. Which means *drumroll please* that, like well dressed clockwork, fall fashion is soon to be spewing out of your favorite retailer in dramatic yet oh-so-adorable-gotta-have-it fashion (i'm looking at you forever21). So in honor of this statement making season here are a few of my favorite fall 2010 musts :D enjoy.

Vintage inspired anything is a big trend this fall.

I love the kitchy urban outfitter-esque feel to these charming indie vintage dresses. Oh timeless retro appeal, what would we do without you?

 

Hoo-rah!

As a bold print loud color kinda girl i'm more than please to see neon brights on the runway again :)

oh happy day.

Lace dresses & sheer black add a soft femininity to any look that's undoubtedly (& undeniably) sexy.

& if you- in your divine style- decide to go with something totally sheer PLEASE wear something under it (ex. a fitted mini dress).

Ah, florals.

Classy, yet still fun & flirty.

Ooo just like anne hathaway!

Lol anyways, this seems to be a reacurring trend on the runway this season...how cute. :)

Sock-sy lady

Haha um socks peeking out of your shoes. This totally random look came outta no where and took the runway (& an impressive number of style bloggers & loyal fashionistas)by storm. Who would have thought such a simple concept would be such a huge hit? (*cough,cough*...silly bandz)

I haven't yet decided if I think this trend is ridiculous or adorable. But i gave it a test run yesterday & couldn't help but feel decidedly chic. & hey, if Dior can do it so can i...no matter how nerdy it looks.