Christmas Wish List

I know I am a too old to make a Christmas list this Christmas, but I want to share with you the top ten fashion items I dream about.

1. J. Crew clutch
2. Velvet Jacket from Newport News
3. Minnetonka Indian boots
4. Across the Universe T-Shirt
5. MEK Jeans from The Buckle
6. Cardigan from Anthropologie with Scottish terrier buttons
7. Tom Ford Aviators
8. the New York Look Book
9. Victoria's Secret PJ's
10. T-shirt from Delia's with Peanut Butter and Jelly on it because PB and J is my all time FAVE food!

What fashionable things do you dream for this Christmas?

Clutch This!

Don't get me wrong, I have a large selection of shoulder bags that easily carry my books and belongings with me to class, but this post will focus on another way to carry around a small amount of personal belongings: the clutch. Fall trends in magazines I read are displaying clutches in extra large forms, making it easy to finish off an outfit. With elegant handles and plenty of room for all the basics, over sized clutches are a convenient alternative, especially for me since my News Years Resolution was to downsize all the stuff in my life. I am excited about the prospect of the over sized clutch because they come in all types of fabrics and styles. A leather clutch with pleated sides and quilted covering is perfect for fall. Patent leather is another top trend this season, and you'll find it in almost every accessory in glossy black, red, and even white. Animal prints and exotic skins are a necessity this year, and an over sized clutch that can capture the trend will last you for through the seasons ahead. Over sized clutches are a great way to add a focal point to your outfit. This season I am inspired by the clutches with are rich with glossy patent and satin finishes and over sized embellishments to steal the spotlight!

“After living in this grey-green landscape, to get these bright colors, it's good for the soul.” Paul Regnier

Usually, I am apprehensive about following a fashion fad. Yet, it seems as though dark colors like grey and black and brown are dominating the fashion trends this fall. Fortunately, bright denim jeans have made their way into most suburban malls, and I eagerly snatched a pair in bright blue and red. I am wearing red denim jeans today, and I was a little worried at first. Mostly because I have yet to see anyone at my school wear red, especially denim. Plus, I was never really a fan of the fashion trends in the 80's, and this bright denim was definitely a part of them. I asked my friends what they thought about my red jeans, and I got mixed reactions. For the most part, a lot of my friends liked them. It's hard to tell whether or not color denim will become a fall fashion trend, but I enjoy brightening my wardrobe any way I can. It is important to note that when wearing brightly colored jeans, you should keep accessories and the importance of matching colors with complimentary tops in mind.

"Women wear things that they just take for granted, but without Audrey Hepburn they probably wouldn't be wearing them." Michael Kors

When I was a child, the number one piece of clothing I despised were turtlenecks. I felt as though the fabric was choking me and I distinctly remember gagging once my mom would force the turtleneck on me. After the age of eight when I was able to pick out my own clothes, turtlenecks were discarded from my closet. For years, my mom would subtly drop hints that she would like to see me in turtlenecks once in a while. Sometimes, she would go as far as buying me a turtleneck top and secretly hanging it in my closet.


"Eww...what's this?" I would ask myself aloud as I found the secret purchase the following day.

In high school, I became more fixated on fashion than ever before, and Audrey Hepburn became my fashion icon. While my peers were dressing like Paris Hilton and saying, "That's hot," I was watching Breakfast at Tiffany's, Funny Face, Sabrina, and Roman Holiday to get inspiration for what to wear. Audrey looked gorgeous in turtlenecks, and it made me think...if she could handle the turtleneck and look that classic....so could I.

Now, I wear turtlenecks all the time. I favorite brand would have to be Michael Stars just because the fabric is so comfortable, I don't even feel like I am wearing fabric that goes up my neck. I believe that turtlenecks will now remain a classic timepiece in my closet. Now, I am the one secretly purchasing turtlenecks as my mom never lets me forget how afraid I was of those little pieces of fabric during my childhood.



http://www.michaelstars.com/tees_long_sleeve0.html?sort=new

Lauren Conrad's Fashion Debut

A few years ago, Lauren Conrad was a typical high school girl living in Laguna. When MTV filmed the hit reality show Laguna Beach, she became an over-night celebrity as well as fashion icon. Now, She is still on MTV, still filming a reality show (The Hills), and balancing her internship with Teen Vogue. She has also recently launched her first clothing collection. The majority of the tops and dresses are versatile for every occasion. The Lauren Conrad Collection reflects Lauren's upbringing in Southern California, embracing the laid-back lifestyle with dresses and tops that feature attention to little details, playful accents and clean lines and shapes. All of Lauren's looks can easily be transformed from day into night. This Fall, the Lauren Conrad Collection will offer timeless pieces that are sophisticated and chic.

I have to admit, at first I was a little apprehensive about Lauren's clothing line. It seems as though every Hollywood celebrity is turning their name and status into a brand. Yet, I was excited when I viewed her pieces of clothing as they seem like they would flatter a lot of young women. The only thing that caught me off guard was the price, yet I feel as though Lauren's collection is timeless, meaning if you bought a dress from her collection, you could wear it forever.

A few of my favorite pieces from her collection:

"Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly."-Epictetus

As October ends and November begins, my excitement for heavier fall clothes is well underway. This fall has been hotter than usual, making me looking longingly at all the fall clothes in stores and catalogs.

J.Crew is one such catalog that displays their vast array of winter clothing in such a way that makes me desire all the cardigans, jewelry, and ballet flats they offer.

This season, J.Crew has gone crazy for Argyle, and I am glad they did. I just love those cute little diamonds arranged in such cute patterns!

Argyle is showing up everywhere this season, on both on males and females. Sweaters and cardigans are the most common piece of clothing, although I have seen some pretty cool argyle shoes and belts. All the various colors and accents are making me excited, as I have seen argyle clothes in the normal neutral colors of grey and brown, to pink and blue with sequins and beads to create an update to the classic argyle look.

Argyle is no longer the look that only your grandfather might have worn, as it has become fashionable among young men and women. Variations of the styles have been made by some of the most popular yet affordable brands like Abercrombie and Fitch, Banana Republic, and the already mentioned J. Crew.

Although you can't really go wrong with wearing argyle, there is the chance that you may end up looking like an old-school golfer if you wear over-the-top argyle pants. The key is not to wear it too loose, and to pair with modern pants or skirts. Wear it with a nice slimmer fitting jeans or cropped pants on women and nice slacks or jeans on men, and you'll have an outfit that can go both ways -- casual and formal.

Nothing is as comfortable to wear than a sweater on cold days. So why not opt for Argyle?

Fall Fashion...Fads?

Lately, I have noticed some fashion trends on campus and in magazines that have got me wondering....is it a trend...or a fad? Here are the top 3 fashion trends that have got me wondering.

1. Metallics. I'm not sure if I like the whole metallic trend, and feel wear wearing anything the color of gold. I'm guessing metallics are just going to be popular this fall, and hopefully won't stick around for next fall.

2. Black and Navy Blue. For the longest time, I always thought that navy blue and black should not be worn together. HOWEVER, I sort of like the look. I think the navy blue top worn with skinny black pants is flattering. I think the main thing not to do is go crazy on accessories. Navy blue and black can start to look too-matchy if you alternate colors more than you need. Less is more.












3. High Waist Jeans. As you can see below, actress Mischa Barton is a fan of the high-waist jean. I am not sure if the style is flattering for every body type, but I would much rather wear a pair of high-waisted jeans than low-riders.