Thursday, February 3, 2011

Distraction Time!

I haven't had time to sit down and write in a while, but I did get a chance to read this New York Times article which has some interesting things to say about vintage clothing and styles.  Enjoy!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Distraction Time!

So, although I have a gmail and professional email, I still refuse to give up my hotmail address because a) I have a place to send all of my junk email to, and b) I get to indulge in articles featured on their homepage.  Today I took a few minutes to flip through this, this, this, this, and this. I'll write my personal opinions on these topics later (most of the ideas mentioned are the mantras that I follow when developing my outfit ideas) but I just thought I would share! 

Monday, January 17, 2011

Lesson Five: There is a time for a backpack...

And there are times when you should take it up a notch with a stylish laptop bag, or purse. I have found that when dressed up in more than a tshirt and shorts for class, a backpack is uncomfortable to wear and does not compliment my everyday outfits. Also, I have found that having stylish accessories motivates me to create outfits to show them off.  So, a couple years ago I decided to experiment with large purses instead of the backpack. However, I have found that the best substitute is not a purse, but a laptop bag. Not only can you find ones that are stylish (see picture below), but they are extremely roomy and are made out of very durable material.

You should be able to carry all that you need to use for your day at school in one of these bags. If you can't, then either your course load is ridiculous or you need to reassess what you deem as a necessary day to day item.

By using one of these instead of a backpack, you now look like a professional student rather than just a college kid. PLUS, when you are interviewing for a job you now have the perfect accessory to top off your business professional outfit! I would suggest getting a bag which is red or has a red tint (depending on the material of the bag). Red is a great primary color which compliments practically outfits in any color palette, and a bag of this bright hue will add style to all of your everyday outfits.

Note: You should be able to carry all that you need to use for your day at school in one of these bags. Now, I know what you are going to say to me.  "But I NEED my backpack, because nothing else will hold all of my necessary daily items!"  False.  All of your personal items that you carry in your purse like cell phone, keys, lotion, antibacterial, etc... should fit into a quart size plastic bag or smaller.  Besides that, you should need your planner, a single notebook or 1inch 3 ring binder that contains the notes for your classes that day, and the necessary items to complete one homework assignment in between classes (don't overdo it and think, 'Oh yeah I'm going to carry ALL my homework with me every day so I can work on it all in between classes.' Yeah, that doesn't work.  You will be more productive if you focus on one assignment at a time, plus you will have less baggage.)
  

Monday, January 10, 2011

My Style Journey: Part 1

Currently I am experiencing feelings of 'style restlessness.' Although these feelings can be temporarily cured, it is best to get to the source of the problem. The source this time is that I want to cut my hair.

When I graduated high school, I cut all of my hair off. Five years later, my hair is long enough to reach my bra strap and I am getting the itch to chop it all off again. After a lengthy discussion about it with my mother, I decided to cut it all off in stages and by the summer I will reach a very short pixie hair cut.

While most people hold on to their hair like a security blanket, I find that different hair styles are an added accessory to any outfit. Although long hair has its benefits (ability to match the severity or bohemian essence of an outfit, elaborate buns/braids, greater versatility in updos...), I believe it just gets in the way. It gets in the way of showcasing your neck, earrings, necklaces, eyes, makeup...everything. Plus, they are all kind of boring. On the other hand, a short hair cut (chin length and up) done right can completely transform your look. Shorter cuts frame your face better than a longer cut, so they completely accentuate all of your facial features. Anybody can pull off a short cut, but it does take a bit of studying and consulting to figure out which cut will look great on your facial shape.

I believe everyone should try a short hair cut at least once in your life. When I cut all of my hair off I learned how to be more comfortable with and showcase my facial features because I could no longer hide behind my hair. I think the short cut assisted in me becoming more confident in my looks, and developing my personal style.

Here are some pictures of the cuts I am looking at getting over the next couple of months in chronological order. Let me know what you think! I'll critique each one and post pictures of it once I get it done.