Over the past few years, I have learned that there are certain items a woman simply must have in her arsenal/closet. They aren't necessarily the coolest or flashiest clothes you could find, but then, flashy doesn't always equal chic; which I think we all know by now just from various celebrities' style choices.
1. Know the power of a big bag.
I think it's much chicer to carry one large bag than owning a bunch of smaller ones. That just looks messy and ends up costing more in the long run. An expensive larger bag, if chosen in a classic color like black or brown, will last for several decades and is definitely worth its cost, but make sure to find one that fits your lifestyle!
2. Collect "you" accessories.
I gravitate toward huge & glamorous sunglasses straight from the 70's, pretty agendas, and cheap jewelry. I can't even count how many are hanging around in my room anymore!
3. Stick with classic cuts.
Choose pieces that are structured and body-conscious, and you'll never look like one of those silly starlets trying to be all trendy when really, they look like teenagers. I personally love the picture above from the show "Lipstick Jungle". It personifies the perfect wardrobe of a working woman. I always loved being able to wear shift dresses and pencil skirts.
4. Splurge on your coat.
The really expensive but great-looking ones do not go out of style!
5. Own lots of neutrals and a few great-color pieces.
You'll get more mileage out of your grays, blacks, navies, camels, and whites, and but you can make an impact with a fabulous bright-colored dress if you're going out.
Destroyed jeans have been in style for quite some time now, and they are still on trend for this summer. I don't know about you, but I always found it a challenge trying to make my own! I found some tips yesterday that I tried out today, and they are wonderful!
Step 1:
Start by placing a block of wood inside one of the pant legs, under the area that you want to distress.
Step 2:
Slice jeans horizontally with a utility knife at several spots on each leg.
Step 3:
Rough up the fabric by rubbing the sliced spots with a pumice stone.
Step 4:
For extra shredding, pick the threads apart with a needle. Washing and drying the jeans before wearing them will also distress the rips more.
Cut-off shorts have been around for awhile now, and I really don't see them going away anytime soon! Here are some very easy tips to make your own!!
Step 1:
Put the jeans on and mark the length on the inseam. Add an extra 1/2 inch for the frayed edges.
Step 2:
Take the jeans off. Lay flat on the ground and cut the jeans straight across with very sharp scissors. It's easier to cut through both layers all at once!
Step 3:
Machine-wash and dry to get the frayed edges. Important reminder: the more you wash the jeans, the more they will fray!
Costume designer on the Sex and the City show/movie, Patricia Field, was featured in Cosmo magazine giving away some of her secrets from styling the movie, "Confessions of a Shopaholic". She tells us how to get big screen style on a budget in the real world.
1. Browse for bargains. Thrift stores are full of inexpensive surprises. Zara and Noir Jewelry have great line of high-quality, low-priced stylish things.
2. Try bold colors. Don't be afraid to experiment with different hues, especially really bright shades. Color is an excellent chance to express your personality and show that you're different from other people. It's one of the better ways to cultivate a signature look of your own.
3. Slim down for spring. Body-skimming (think bandage dress but slightly more floaty) styles are in this year. If you buy it now, you will wear it for YEARS!
4. Go shiny. It's really easy to find cheap gorgeous shoes in synthetic fabric like metallic or patent instead of leather.
5. Mix high and low-priced items. You do not.. repeat.. do not have to wear labels to look great! Rebecca in this movie has many great outfits that include cheaper items like the colorful coats she wears.
6. Be your own stylist. When Patricia creates a wardrobe for a character, she's given a script as a starting point. Find something that inspires you- like a favorite movie.
7. Splurge now and then. If an item catches your eye (like a great bag), and you know you'll wear or use it a lot, then go for it!
I have had quite the love and admiration for female rockers for some time now. I joke that it was my dad's fault as he and mum listened to all that old stuff before I was born. Of those musicians, Joan Jett and Pat Benatar are most definitely my faves. Imagine my friggin' shock when I heard they were making a movie about her first band, The Runaways. I'm a bit embarassed to say that I didn't know about The Runaways, but I had heard of "Cherry Bomb" so I figured that's got some redeeming quality to it.
Much to my dismay, the producers or the studio (whoever it was!) didn't release the movie to alot of theaters so I had to be content with youtube footage and facebook pictures while I was stuck waiting on the dvd release. Lo and behold girlies! I got the movie finally, and it did not disappoint! Really, I shouldn't have been worried as it does feature my most fave actress, Kristen Stewart (can the girl do no wrong.. seriously?).
True, the movie is WAY too mature for some people (and by that, I mean teenagers!), but helloo?? I'm 24 so I think we're good. I loved being able to get an inside look at the making of the band, and it didn't hurt that the movie sparked an interest in 70's style for me. As such, being the fashion whore that I am, I made some outfits on polyvore:
Cheri Currie
Joan Jett
Lita Ford
Robyn Robbins (based on Micki Steele and Jackie Fox)
Sandy West
Interested in the entire collection??
The Runaways Soundtrack
(They left out some really great songs that were in the film!)
The Wild One (Suzie Quatro)
Do You Wanna Touch (Joan Jett)
Rebel Rebel (David Bowie)
Wild Thing (Troggs)
Gimme Danger (Iggy Pop & the Stooges)
I Wanna Be Your Dog (Iggy Pop & the Stooges)
Pretty Vacant (Sex Pistols)
Bad Reputation (Joan Jett)
Crimson and Clover (Joan Jett)
Enjoy some more great photos
from the film!
Reese's Style 101:
*She knows what works for her. Her formula includes simple clothes with a bit of feminine flair, a pop of color, and an unexpected detail. Each item fits perfectly and never overwhelms.
*She plays with the trends. She tries new things but doesn't take crazy risks. A couple of fresh accessories add fun or sophistication.
*She puts comfort first. Flat shoes, loose silhouettes.. her outfits never feel forced. The lesson? If you feel good, you look good.
An A-line top over skinny jeans is so flattering. The metallic shoes add chic.
She's never matchy-matchy but cleverly coordinates color in her palette.
Monday
Mainly sunny. High 78F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday
Sunny skies. High 83F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Fashion Forecast: 9/2/10
Thursday
Mainly sunny. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the low 60s.
Fashion Forecast: 9/3/10
Friday
Sunshine. Highs in the mid 80s and lows in the low 60s.
Monday (evening)
Tonight: Mostly clear. Low 59F. Winds light and variable.
