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.

"Smile. Pass it On" Sanuk Motto

Every so often I come across a great pair of shoes that I adore. A pair of heels that never kill my feet after wearing them for five minutes, boots that keep my feet warm and look good with jeans tucked in, or a pair of sandals that are so comfortable I never want to take them off.


This year, I have found the perfect pair of shoes. They are called Sanuks, and they are unlike any shoes I have worn. http://www.sandalsuperstore.com/sanuk/ Sanuk Sandals focus on bringing the perfect combo of comfort and style. Designed specifically for the surf and water lifestyle, Sanuk is thai for "the pursuit of happiness".

Now, I know what you are thinking: "Jamie, Indiana is a state not located near any body of water large enough to surf, " or "Since when did you surf?" or even, "The weather is too cold to surf, why are you promoting surfing shoes?" Well...just look at how cute they are! I love being able to wear mine with a variety of combinations. They are casual and come in a lot of new styles. The only downfall? Since the brand is located on the west coast, it is sorta tricky to find the shoes in the Midwest. That's why I highly recommend their website.

"I love to take things that are everyday and comforting and make them into the most luxurious things in the world." Marc Jacobs

Being a magazine fanatic, I do not have the time to waste flipping through numerous pages of advertisements. I actually get very upset and overreact when the index cards for new subscriptions fall out of the pages of magazines. I just want to get to the point in the magazine where I can view all the new trends, and not have to worry about the new lip gloss from Max Factor.

However, there is one slight exception to my advertising bashing. I am obsessed with Marc Jacob's ads. Not only does he take creative pictures of his models, the clothing always catches my eye and makes me wish I could afford his products. Nevertheless, I collect his ads, tearing each one out and save them inside a folder.

I'm not sure if I will ever use them, but it makes me feel better knowing that I have the ads, just in case...

My Favorites:

Dakota Fanning and Rufus Wainwright

“Eventually, I think Chicago will be the most beautiful great city left in the world.” Frank Llyod Wright

My first memories about Chicago are not very important, only knowing that I have always enjoyed the city is what matters to me. I feel more connected to the city of Chicago than anything else, and I plan on moving there after I graduate.

When I was younger, my mom and dad and I would stay in Chicago and explore downtown, mainly the Magnificent Mile. My mom and I loved going to Water Tower Place, a large mall with stores such as The Sharper Image, Lacoste, and Bebe. The mall is located next to the towering John Hancock building. We would also meander to Bloomingdales which is also located within another mall with stores like J.Crew and United Colors of Benetton. While my mom and I mainly browsed the store, it was so much fun shopping in stores that we did not have at home.

Lately, I have been traveling to Chicago primarily with friends. My friend Kaitlin and I are great shopping buddies and we have started to drift away from the very heart of the city and explore all the surrounding neighborhoods. While we still like checking out everything in Anthropoligie and Urban Outfitters, we make a point to face our fears, jump on the EL ,and see where it takes us.

Before school, we traveled around Lincoln Park. This neighborhood is eclectic, hip, and full of boutiques carrying one-of-a-kind treasures. It is so much fun to find something hand-crafted and basically made just for you. I have a feeling that the more I travel to Chicago, the more I will learn about all of its secret shops waiting for me to discover!

TOP 5 Places to see in Lincoln Park:

1. Build a Bear? take that idea, upgrade it, and you've got 1154 Lill. It is a store where you can create your own purse. You chose the fabric and accessories, and they make it for you on the spot. Or, if you need a purse but can't travel to Lincoln Park, they offer the same service on their website:http://www.1154lill.com/shopourbags/

2. A favorite place to shop and check out the latest fashion in shoe apparel is Lori'Shoes, The Sole of Chicago. Most of the shoes are reasonably priced, and more importantly, very unique. http://www.lorisshoes.com/

3. Betsey Johnson is one crazy lady, but her eccentric style is what she is known for. Her store in Lincoln Park matches her quirky personality as it showcases her clothing, jewelry, and accessories. http://www.betseyjohnson.com/

4.Art Effect is a store in which I could spend hours in, just looking at jewelry alone. The store offers a wide selection of unique and hand-crafted necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Also, the store carries hip and flatting tops, pants, and jackets that are perfect accents for a night out downtown Chicago. Check out the site, it's worth it! http://www.arteffectchicago.com/

5. Finally, the only store that does not have a website that I enjoy going to whenever I am in Lincoln Park is Out of the West. It has very cool denim, Western tops, and a huge selection of cowboy boots. My friend Kaitlin purchased a red trench coat from the store, and I am still jealous of how cute it is! The store is decorated in chic western style, and be sure to pet the store's dog...though I forgot the poor thing's name!

"I woke up one morning and was like, I want white-trash hair today." Mary-Kate Olsen

I have noticed that whenever I have a really busy week, all the great magazines arrive making it even harder for me to just sit down and study. Harper's Bazaar, for instance, came out with who else but Mary-Kate Olsen! Since Full House I have been a die-hard Olsen fan. It's not even a secret. I think Mary-Kate and Ashley have cutting-edge fashion intelligence. Mary-Kate, for some reason, I identify with fashion-wise. In Harper's Bazaar she wears great costume jewelry, vintage hats, and wild prints. Mixing bright colors with leggings and high heels, Mary-Kate is fashionable without even knowing it. While I was disappointed with the overall length of the article, which mainly reinstated facts that Olsen fans already know: She has a role on Weeds as a stoner/Catholic. The only thing that stuck out to me was her desire to get "white-trash" hair, and she admitted that she runs around her home with nothing on but heels and jewelry. Well. Good to know? The layout of the magazine spread was gypsy-meets-fairy-meets-country. I enjoyed it a lot, and got some new inspiration for fall clothing. If you are an Olsen fan, Harper's Bazaar is calling your name....just to let you know.

One week down

Last Tuesday was my big 2-1. I am legal. Originally, I was going to scan my new driver's license and show everyone, but then I thought it might not be the best idea...

Instead, my friends and I went to Benny's. At midnight. No one was there except Benny.

My friends and I had fun, though, playing great songs on the jukebox and drinking like it was a BIG deal, even though it wasn't.

I thought to myself before going to the bar, "What do you wear to a bar?"

I imagined that the uniform was too-tight light denim jeans with a low-cut halter top showing a lot of skin. I don't know why this is what I thought, but it occured to me that I do not own appropriate clothes to wear to a bar.

I don't even feel comfortable wearing clothes that show a lot of skin aka Britney style. So, I posted a picture of what I decided to wear the first time I ever drank in a bar.

My only question is: What do you wear to a bar?

"When you meet a stranger, look at his shoes."Michael Stipe

At lunch today, I asked my friends what really annoys them regarding fashion. I was trying to get inspiration for this blog and the conversation went something like this:

Jamie: Guys, what do you hate seeing people do here regarding fashion mistakes?
Meg: like, people who tuck there jeans into boots...
Jamie: Well, I do that Meg.
Meg: No, like Flared jeans, you wear skinny jeans in boots and it looks ok. Plus, your boots don't have fur on them....
Susan: What about people wearing brown and black?
Jamie: I think I've already done that one.
Jess: I don't like it when people wear floods, or socks with sandals.
Everyone: (in disgust) SOCKS WITH SANDALS!

So, it was settled. This post will be about socks and sandals and how it makes my skin crawl whenever I see this fashion faux pas. Picture, if you will, a beach. Royal blue water spanned out against the horizon, white sand buried beneath an array of beach blankets and umbrellas, the smell of SPF45 sunscreen, and the voices of happy-go-lucky beach-goers. But then, behind your over sized sunglasses you spot something, no....someone out of place. An older gentleman with no shirt, swim trunks, and OH NO...black socks with sandals. Your beach experience has been ruined as you fixate on the man who seemingly does not know he has broken one the most crucial mistakes of fashion.

Why do people wear socks and sandals? To me, when it is too hot to wear socks, I wear flip flops. When it is too cold to go without socks, I don't wear flip flops. Flip flops were not designed for socks. Not even sandals like Birkenstocks. The most common response, or protest that I hear whenever I catch someone wearing socks and sandals is : "I was in a rush!" while flip flops and sandals are convenient, and can be slipped on in less than 2.5 seconds, the time it takes to put on socks is greater. So...don't wear socks if you are running late, and know that you will most likely wear sandals.

There is a website, a British website, www.sandalandsoxer.co.uk/home.htm dedicated specifically to men who wear sandals and socks. It is hilarious and gross and I am still struggling to figure out why it was even created. The point is, a lot of people know that socks and sandals just doesn't look right, but they continue to do it because they don't take the time to care...Or they are old men on the beach whose purpose is to wear socks and sandals to ruin your beach experience. I'm not bitter, really...

Thanks Kaitlin!

Taken from my friend's blog:http://kaityfuja.blogspot.com/

(The directions were to put an ‘x’ in the parentheses that applied.)

A meme…with explanations:

(x) Smoked a cigarette. (yeah…intoxicated)
(x) Drank so much you threw up. (Numerous times. What can I say? I have no tolerance, and I only like hard alcohol, so the combo really isn’t in my favor)
(x) Crashed in a friend's car. (Junior year or senior year of high school my friend susy picked me up from my house to carpool to school. When she pulled out of the subdivision, she actually ran right into a wooden trailer. Her car was totaled, but we were ok)
( ) Stolen a car.
(x) Been in love. (Only once, yet I have said I love you too many times, and I regret that now. I am much more guarded, and rarely show affection, so my love life currently is non-existent.)
(x) Been dumped. (Over the phone. Yelled at. On the answering machine. At the lunch table. I could go on, but I am getting rather red in the face. Those jerks!)
( ) Been laid off/fired.
(X) Quit your job. (Hollister)(enough said)
( ) Been in a fist fight.
( ) Sneaked out of your parent's house.
(X) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back. ( Currently, and I will not elaborate)
( ) Gone on a blind date.
(X) Lied to a friend. (Yes, but luckily nothing major…and never about clothes. I am always honest when it come to fashion advice)
( ) Skipped an entire semester.
(x) Seen someone die.(…)
(x) Been to Canada. ( I went to Niagra Falls when I was a child and I remember being terrified that I would see someone fall of in a barrel. I also bought a Niagra Falls plastic back-scratcher. I don’t know why.)
( ) Been to Mexico.
(X) Been on a plane. (I have, and it isn’t as thrilling as I think it will be…I get so amped every time before I fly, and then only arrive with my ears hurting and nasty airplane food in my stomach.)
(X) Been lost. ( I got lost in Germany. I stayed with a host family for a summer through my high school, and the girl I was staying with told me to get on a certain bus to get to school. I got on the bus, but did not get off at the right stop. So, ironically, the place I got found was at a KFC, in Germany. A lot of the people there can’t get enough of the colonel’s finger lickin good chicken. Watch out bratwurst)
(X) Been on the opposite side of the country. (Being in the Midwest, I took that as one of the coasts, so I have been all along the east coast.)
(X) Gone to Washington , DC. ( I went to Washington D.C. when plaid was popular. I remember wearing plaid, strirrup pants, and a patriotic sweatshirt when I went on a tour through the white house.)
(X) Swam in the ocean. (A long time ago in the Atlantic on vacation. I had a bikini and thought I was the shit. I was probably 5 and didn’t understand the concept of salt-water)
(x) Felt like dying. ( In middle school, my mom convinced me that FUBU was a new brand like Tommy Hilfiger. I wore FUBU overalls and, well, see below)
(X) Cried yourself to sleep.(The night I wore FUBU overalls)
(X) Played cops and robbers. ( I was always the robber, and I would come up with “robber” costumes )
(X) Recently colored with crayons. (Just because I had nothing better to do, and it was one of those educational coloring books about fashion from the 1960s)
(X) Sang karaoke. (Yes. I had the idea in my head that when I did it, I would be like Cameron Diaz in “My Best Friend’s Wedding” because even though she sucked at it, she still looked polished…It didn’t work out that way, I just ended up looking like an idiot singing ‘Mama Mia’.
( ) Paid for a meal with only coins.
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't. (All the time. Most recently, I got my nose pierced. It only lasted 48 hours, but I told myself I would never do it, and I did.)
(X) Made prank phone calls. (The only one I really remember was calling someone with the last name Herman and asking for PeeWee)
( ) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose And laughedmore after that.
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue. (Every chance I get)
(X) Made a snow angel. (I did when I was younger and the cold did not bother me as much as it does now. Probably because my mom bundled me up more than that kid in “A Christmas Story”)
(X) Danced in the rain.(Only during the summer. It is great. There is something about getting rained and not caring about my clothes getting wet is so much FUN)
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus. ( I did when I was younger, but it was never a list, it was more like, hey Santa, what’s up, I guess you’ll be stopping by soon..)
( ) Been kissed under the mistletoe.
( ) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about.
(X) Blown Bubbles. (I find it relaxing)(I don’t do it every day…)
(X) Made a bonfire on the beach/campground.(I love bonfires! They are fun, cheap, and usually bonfires include good friends and good food. The only thing I don’t like is taking a shower the next day and smelling the smoke that was in my hair. What to wear to a bonfire? Jeans and a T-shirt, or sweatshirt. Heels are out of the question along with make-up and polyester ANYTHING.)
( ) Crashed a party.
(X) Gone roller skating. ( This, too, is similar to my thoughts about ice skating. Roller skating is out-dated and not fun. For some reason, I remember girls roller-skating in too-tight clothing and guys wearing baggy jeans and t-shirts. In my opinion, roller-skating is not fashionable, and one should not try to find a date at the roller rink assuming you are older than 6.)
(X) Gone ice skating ( I have gone ice skating, though I am awful. I live on a lake, and have ice-skated on that, though it is uneventful. I don’t understand the point of skating in circles. I do, however, like the whiteness of ice skates, and getting all bundled up in matching gloves, scarf, and hat.

Phobia: a persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that leads to a compelling desire to avoid it.

I have an irrational fear of "Mom Jeans". While I have no idea where it came from, I am terrified of the high-waisted, 10 mile long zipper, unflattering butt pocket jeans. Where is the flattery in wearing a pair of light denim jeans that go all the way up to your boobs? I have yet to find a guy that looks at this picture and says, "what a beautiful group of ladies".

I call this a phobia because I am nowhere near the age of being a mom. I have yet to find a guy, so there is no need for me to cower in fear of the all-encompassing selection of mom jeans found in any department store.


POP QUIZ: Which do you prefer? the left or right?

I can't even look at the jeans on the right. The tapered ankles, the elastic waistband, the denim color doesn't even look like denim! It terrifies me. I am not joking.

This lead me to another point of frustration: WHY does the mom jean even exist? Fashion designers should not continue to market and sell the mom jean. Women who are mothers that have not lost the "last 5 pounds" of their pregnancy weight should not throw in the towel, so to say, and purchase a pair of mom jeans, feeling the need to submit to whatever little selection of clothing works. Moms should boycott mom jeans and demand for a denim line specifically tailored for moms. If no one else does, I will. Just you wait.


I will not tolerate wearing mom jeans ever, yet I am still afraid. I have convinced myself that I will not do a lot of things, and then 4 weeks later I'll find myself doing the very thing I told myself I would never do. So, I am afraid. What if, 1o years from now, I find myself sitting in front of my blog wearing *gasp* mom jeans?

"A carefree, sexy spirit." -Ralph Lauren

On occasion, I get an excited feeling from within as I walk from my garage down the driveway to the mailbox. Sometimes this infinitely giddy disposition is due to a letter from a faraway friend I know I will receive. Sometimes it is when I know a check with my name on it will be arriving. Sometimes it is awaiting a Hallmark card around a holiday or birthday from a relative. Yet, more frequently I go absolutely crazy when either Anthropologie's or Free People's catalog arrives through the mail.

The catalogs are in no way any comparison to the store's themselves, but every time I receive a catalog in the mail, I know I will find something I love. The two pictures I posted are from the newest catalogs. Each brand specializes in clothing, shoes, and accessories that are unique, creative, and imaginative. Whenever I purchase something from either brand, I know I will treasure it, and wear it until it breaks, if possible.

There is something so carefree and at the same time positively structured in the layout of the catalog. Each page looks like a work of art. There have been many catalogs torn apart with an exacto knife that I have saved for inspiration. I am convinced that someday my clippings of the clothing from Anthropologie and Free People will be of some use.

I highly suggest that you check out my two favorite catalog's sites: http://www.freepeople.com/ and http://www.anthropologie.com/ . There you will be dazzled with chic dresses, discreet but practical handbags, and jewelry that appears to be a priceless antique, but for a fraction of the cost.

I love the carefree spirit of the clothing. The effortless ability to pull off an outfit beautifully without it looking like it took two hours to get ready. Hopefully I can spread my giddiness on to you. In the meantime, I'll be waiting for the mail.

“Once it starts to look like it's matching your other clothing, it's a problem. The whole secret is not matching.” Lance Lawson

This picture is over thirty years old, taken just after my mom and dad got married. I always find myself taken aback when I see old pictures of my mom because to me, she looks so classy. While I admire such fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, and Coco Chanel, my mom is my fashion guru, I talk to her all the time about suggestions of what to wear for certain events. From her shoes to her gloves she always matches perfectly. I try to do the same.

Yet, can I match too much? According to Lance Lawson, I can. Is this a flaw that my mom has passed down to me? I mean....purple gloves? Did she really need to find purple gloves to match her outfit? Do I really need to wear a yellow necklace and yellow earrings if I wear a shirt with yellow on it? Sometimes I wonder.

It takes just the right amount of creativity to get away with watching. I mean, what's so creative about wearing green flip-flops with a green shirt? I have to admit, those purple gloves are pretty creative.

So, do I match too much? Maybe. I try to limit myself to three matching accessories at once. Is this weird? You will never, however, find me matching brands together. Nike shoes and socks? Nah, I prefer Addias socks and Puma shoes. I am a rebel, I know. (Don't tell mom)

"It's not easy being green" Kermit the Frog

Yes, this is a picture of me. Yes my blog is called "Fashionable Farley" AND I believe that I have a lot to write about regarding fashion. Yes I used to think I dressed cool. Yes, I wore a green shiny shirt and LIKED it. Now that we have these facts established, let's move on.

It's so awkward/funny/amusing/sad/etc. to look back on old photographs especially from middle school. What an odd time. That's all I have to say. When I was in middle school, almost overnight I went from being a care-free kid not worried at all about what I wore... much less whose fashion label I was wearing...to being so preoccupied by what my friends thought was cool. Let me just say right now that whoever told me this outfit was "cool" must have been an enemy in disguise.

Yet, this picture means a lot to me. It symbolizes my first school dance, my first outfit that I remember being excited to wear, the first time I actually cared about fashion and my role in participating in being "cool". ( I hate putting words in quotes, but in this case find it completely necessary)

Anyways, who would have thought that I would ditch the short brown hair and shiny green shirt? Can you really blame me though? Looking back, I almost find it hard to see the real Jamie. Or is it the other way around?

Either way, I am glad I change almost as much as the fashion industry. It keeps me busy.

"Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new." Henry David Thoreau

Top Eleven Fashion Disasters I worry about....on or off Campus...

1.PANTYLINES. Can you see the outline of my underwear when I wear these jeans? I don't know how many times I have asked my friends/mom/person I just met/etc. this question. There is nothing more noticeable to me than the outline of underwear. It makes me paranoid and I try to avoid it at all times.
2. Black and Brown. Personally, I don't think these colors go together. Especially brown pants and black shoes. Or a black belt with brown pants. Or a brown shirt with black pants. Basically, any combination with the colors black and brown worn at the same time make me a little sad.
3. Slippers are not shoes. Printed PJ's are not pants.
4. Sometimes, when I go to work, I wear flip flops before my shift starts and then change into heels. Yet, I never have worn sneakers to work with my work clothing on. The trend of wearing sneakers on the commute to work while wearing business clothes is something I think looks funny, even if doing so saves a couple blisters in the process.
5. Scrunchies. I am not sure why these are still worn, but they bring me back to the days of the 90's. Today, there are so many hair-ties that are less in-your-face and don't take away from the clothes you wear. Headbands are also a great option.
6.Baggy Clothing. Wearing bigger clothes makes you look...bigger. Or like a little kid trying to play dress-up. Or self- conscious that if you don't hold onto your baggy jeans they might drop around your ankles.
7.Spandex anything. I guess my only comment to spandex is: Why?
8.Mixing Prints. Stripes with plaid. Leopard with Zebra. Polka dots with floral. OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but mixing prints confuses me. I don't think that prints are bad at all, but when wearing them I pair them with a solid color, like a zebra print skirt with a black top.
9.Mesh. If you wear mesh, you might as well not wear any clothes, I have the same feelings with #7 on my list as well.
10. Statement T-shirts. "Team Aniston" & "Mrs. Clooney" & shirts that state "I'm with Stupid" areTMI. While you may care about pop culture, you don't have to broadcast it across your chest.
11. Toe-socks. They hurt a lot and are a pain to put on and no one can see all the hard work it took you to put them on in the first place. Unless you show everyone you see that you are wearing toe-socks, which would be weird. Maybe not if you are younger then 7 and are a girl at a sleepover.

SO much more than a part-time job

" If a woman walks into a room and people say, "Oh what a marvelous dress", then she is badly dressed. If they say, "What a beautiful woman," then she is well dressed." Coco Chanel.

This is so much more than a wise quote, it is basically my motto whenever I go to work. As a sales associate for White House Black Market, it is my job to make women of all ages feel beautiful. For some reason, clothes have the great capability of making you feel fantastic whenever you put on a specific article of clothing. At White House Black Market, which...go figure....sells clothing in shades of white and shades of black along with shoes, accessories, and jewelry every piece of clothing is designed to be that piece of clothing that you go to in times of need. Last minute invite to the New Years Eve party? No problem. Need business attire for a job interview? Check. Want to look amazing on vacation? We have clothes that don't wrinkle! As you can see, I love my job, and believe that the clothes I sell are classic, timeless pieces that I can wear casually or dress up. It is a perfect concept for me, as a college student who doesn't want to spend a ton of time on an outfit, but still wants to look decent in class.

I thought I would just let you know about my job, and how it has impacted the way I regard fashion. Working in retail has shaped the way I dress. I am so aware that everything I wear is an expression of who I am. So, working at a store that allows me to not just sell a "Great dress" but instead makes the customer feel great about herself is so rewarding. I'll let you check out the site yourself... http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/

My only complaint? I LOVE COLOR. I often find myself wearing bright hues on my days off, if only White House Black Market opened a store that sold their same products but in color....oh man! What a concept...

"Come with me and we'll attend their jubilee/And see them spend/Their last two bits/Puttin' on the Ritz" Irving Berlin

Tonight is the 3rd annual Fashion Rocks television special on CBS. It starts at 8PM and is hosted by Jeremy Piven. At first I was shocked that Piven would be the host because his personal style is more Abercrombie and Fitch than Marc Jacobs...But, his character on Entourage is very fashionable, in my opinion.

The show should be interesting as music performers like Aerosmith, Fergie, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, and Maroon 5 will play live at Radio City in New York City. Today, it is so common for artists to go beyond music and start their own fashion lines. Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, and P. Diddy are just a few artists who have influenced the fashion industry. Their personal style, after all, is what makes them unique and so imitable. People want to experience the "IT" factor that these artists possess, and what better way to do so then to purchase an article of clothing designed by them?

What might be more exciting than the Fashion Rocks special is the fact that it is kicking off the start of the 2007-2008 fashion week in New York City. Fashion designers get the chance to make their statement and show what they feel people should wear this fall and winter. Many celebrities get front row seats to attend the fashion shows during fashion week, but I am just as content flipping through the fashion magazines that will come out shortly showing the highlights of the highly chaotic and exhausting week.

If you are also excited about fashion week and interested in the designers and celebrities attending, I highly recommend checking out this blog: http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/

"Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months." Oscar Wilde

Ever since I can remember, Labor Day was specifically dedicated to packing away every white short, linen pant, high heels, purses, etc. If it was white, it got packed in a container labeled: Summer Clothes. This tradition, which my mom had started, seemed very important to her. I wondered why my mom thought wearing white after Labor Day was so taboo, but she never elaborated...she just cringed instead. Her phobia of wearing white during the fall and winter has passed down to me. This might sound crazy, but the week before Labor Day, I try to wear all the white I haven't worn for the summer, in a last attempt to prolong my clothing options. I did a little research (A.K.A. Yahoo Answers) and found that this "fashion rule" was established primarily for white shoes and purses. Also, wearing white during the winter was assumed that it would make one colder, since white reflects light making the temperature cooler.

Over the years, more people have accepted wearing white all year. The term "winter white" has become a part of the vocabulary in fashion magazines which show models wearing white in heavy winter fabrics like wool and angora. It is as though fashion designers are taking this so-called "fashion rule" and breaking it in an attempt to show that in fashion, rules are made to be broken.

I can't bring myself to accept this new take on wearing white all year. I look forward to the different seasons along with the different clothing options for each one. Just knowing that the next time I wear my favorite white denim jeans will not be until next summer is something I look forward to. Go ahead and wear all white if you want. Just pay attention to fabrics. Linen and eyelet and other lighter materials won't keep you very warm in the chilly fall months...especially in the Midwest.

While I believe that some rules are meant to be broken....this time, I'll stick to the rules.

"Style is very different from fashion. Once you find something that works, keep it." Tom Ford

I must admit, trends are a very lucrative desire of mine and sometimes I have trouble staying away from their style hazards. For example, the neon pink sunglasses that I am wearing in my blog picture are completely trendy, along with the neon flannel scarf. I bought both items the day the picture was taken on a trip downtown Chicago with my best friend. She took the picture on our way back home, and I decided to wear them both in a trend overkill, posing my unhappiness at being such a fashion disaster.

When I first saw the neon pink sunglasses in Urban Outfitters, I felt that it went with with my signature style. As hard as I try to wear timeless classics like Polo's, turtlenecks, and great fitting jeans, every once in awhile a trendy items squeezes its way into my wardrobe. After all, isn't that what everyone is trying to do? Find their own fashion style that works, as Tom Ford said? CoCo Chanel decided to make strands of pearls her "look", and see how fabulous that worked out for her! Along with the sunglasses trend, mention over-sized sunglasses to me, and the first image that comes to mind is First Lady Jackie O. Her iconic sunglasses are popular today as many women wear the bug-eyed, too-big-for-your-face frames.

I think that the reason why I like my hot pink totally trendy sunglasses is that they alter my look so drastically- more than any other article of clothing I own. I love knowing that I can go out and party at night and hide my face behind my neon shades the next day. I can observe without being observed. No one can see my emotions-I could feel really insecure about wearing the sunglasses in the first place.

There's no denying it- When I walked into Urban Outfitters and saw these sunglasses, I felt a rush. Buying trendy items gives my classic and somewhat conservative wardrobe a hip and fresh update. If I could offer some advice about following trends based on my own experiences this would be it:
1. one trendy style at a time...see my picture above
2. choose either a trendy color a trendy shape...never both. You will never see me wearing a hot pink winter coat.
3. wear only trends that complement your signature look. If purple is the new "in" color and looks great with your skin tone,wear it! But if leather pants is "in" and you don't feel comfortable in skin tight clothes, then don't buy into its trendiness.

So will I look back years from now and groan at the picture of me with my neon shades? Maybe. But that's one of the reasons why I like fashion so much- it's changing all the time, much like me.

"Some people dream of having a big swimming pool- with me it's closets." Audrey Hepburn

I am a college junior on a very tight budget...as in I can only afford what my part-time job pays. Although I do not have money to buy designer labels, I feel more confident and secure when I wear a piece of clothing that fits me perfectly. Audrey Hepburn is a fashion icon whose quirky personality managed to combine high fashion with simple things in life. Among the many possessions that clutter my bedroom, my favorite thing is a poster of Audrey as Holly Golighty from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's in her black Givenchy dress, pearls and diamonds around her neck, a cat atop her shoulder, and a cigarette holder in her hand. In a lot of ways, I think women identify with Audrey the same way I do, she had an innocence and sense of style that contrasts with the stereotypical Hollywood image of what women should look like. I must admit, while I do not have the money to buy Givenchy, I do own a lot of clothes and take pride in wearing outfits that make me feel good about myself, similar to Audrey's view about clothing. This blog is primarily my way of expressing how I feel about fashion and the designers who have shaped the way I feel about clothing. I believe that my casual yet elegant take on clothes is a style many college-age and older women find timeless. I agree with the quote stated above... especially living in a dorm room, that a large closet is something that I dream about...but for now I'll take what I can get and keep on getting inspired by the many fashionable men and women I admire.