Fashion And Hairstyle

Showing posts with label Edited by Jen Hernandez. Show all posts

WHAT TO WEAR: OFFICE CHIC

As college students, our foray into the world of full-time work will (hopefully) come sooner or later. This means that our day-to-day uniform of jeans and a tee are no longer applicable and a more sophisticated wardrobe is necessary. Since I recently landed my first 9 to 5 office job for the upcoming summer, I've been daunted by the task of creating a look that is less casual and more conservative while still adhering to my personal sense of style. The images I've been gravitating towards are definitely more polished: longer hemlines, impeccably tailored trousers, structured silhouettes, and muted palettes. However, the appeal is in the brilliant pops of color in unexpected places, the messy updos, the play on different textures and prints, and the strong accessories that offset the somewhat banal look that is often associated with office wear. I can't wait to get my hands on some mid-calf pleated skirts, school-boy blazers, camel accessories, and leg-lengthening trousers. In the meantime, here are some images currently inspiring me.

Mary Kate Steinmiller, fashion market editor of Teen Vogue, looking chic and workplace appropriate in her printed skirt:

The pop of color underneath neutral basics adds interest:

The undone hair and bright coral lips from J. Crew's Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear line are a perfect juxtaposition to the clean lines and overall crispness:

The structured satchel and heels on this model add class to her more casual ensemble:

Leigh Lezark looking uber glamorous, as usual:

Olivia Palermo's silk tie blouse and camel accessories are sophisticated and chic:

Image Sources: VanessaJackman, J.Crew, FashionGoneRogue, WhoWhatWear

WHAT TO WEAR: OUTDOOR SPRING EVENTS

With Spring comes outdoor events: music concerts, art festivals, and picnics in the park. This year, Picnic Day and Coachella are both taking place on the same weekend (April 16th-17th). For these events, comfort is key. Long hours in the sun and on your feet can be taxing, so opt for comfortable shoes first and foremost. Wear some classic tennis shoes like the adorable Emma Watson (below) or cute sandals a la Kate Bosworth and Rachel Bilson. Second, I recommend breathable clothing. These include materials like cotton and linen. Avoid anything that's polyester or rayon, since they don't allow as much air flow. Also make sure to carry a bag that's functional and doesn't weigh you down. I suggest a small crossbody bag, or you could go with an edgy tribal print knapsack like Rachel. Hats (try a straw fedora or a floppy hat, both big for spring) and sunglasses can come in handy during the day, as well as some sort of cover-up for when the sun goes down. So no matter which event you choose to take part in, I've gathered up some inspiration to help you look cute and stay comfortable. Finally, don't forget the sunscreen!

Image Sources: Vogue, Poise&Vogue, StyleNotes

UP AND COMING DESIGNER: MARY CATHERINE MOODY

Designers like Phillip Lim, Jason Wu, Alexander Wang, Tory Burch, and Marc Jacobs are debuting their collections for Fall 2011 right now at New York Fashion Week. Some of these designers are seasoned pros and have been doing it successfully for years. Others are just starting out in the professional design world. Mary Catherine Moody, one half of the creative genius behind the brand new fashion label, Aman Stovall, recently showcased the collection that she and design partner, Brent Johnson, spent 6 months designing. Mary, a 2010 graduate from the University of Alabama with a degree in Apparel Design, has already earned a name for herself in the industry for her impeccable embellishment techniques, good photography, and computer graphic skills . During college, she created a collection that won her first place for fashion achievement at her university, and interned in New York for the prestigious designer Lela Rose. It's no surprise that upon graduating, she went straight to work creating her own luxury label, taking inspiration from her role models: Karl Lagerfeld and Oscar de la Renta. Here is a peek at the new collection as well as some behind-the-scenes images from the process behind the label's creation.

And here is the lovely duo. Follow them here as they document their journey to becoming successful women's wear designers. Also, for up-to-date news on fashion week, click here.

Image Sources: AmanStovall, MaryCatherineMoody

STATEMENT JEWELRY

Knuckle rings, chandelier earrings, cuff bracelets galore! Jewelry is a great way to punctuate any outfit, whether it's a delicate charm necklace or a wristful of bracelets. My personal favorite are rings, and on most days, you'll catch me wearing three. Statement jewelry tend to be attention-grabbing and innovative, taking inspiration from a plethora of things: ancient art, mother nature, tribal cultures, architecture, religion...

Coco Chanel herself once said, "Before leaving the house, a lady should stop, look in the mirror, and remove one piece of jewelry." That adage no longer holds true today, as it is not uncommon to sport layered necklaces or even multiple watches on one wrist. These days, it's all about mixed metals, tangled chains, huge stones, and multiple rings to create a look that's bold and dramatic.

Image sources: Fashiontoast, SouvenirsofaGirl, VanessaJackman, SongofStyle

Some great places to look for statement jewelry are Madewell, Anarchy Street, Pamela Love, J. Crew, Anthropologie, and House of Harlow. Etsy.com sells amazing vintage and handmade goods as well. And don't forget to scour thrift stores and flea markets for inexpensive, one of a kind finds!

SPRING TRENDS

With Paris Fashion Week taking place right now, it's no doubt that fashion is in the air... at least it is for us here in the Textiles and Clothing Department. And with the sunny weather, it's hard to think about midterms when my mind is on spring trends, warm weather clothes, and a way for my skin to come out of hibernation and into the sunshine! Here I've rounded up some of my favorite weather-friendly fashion trends, as seen on the street and on the runway.

Mid-calf pleated skirts: Play around with textures, colors, and length.

Sheer, wispy layers: Take a cue from the sheer mix master herself, Fashiontoast's Rumi Neely, and keep things light- neutral colors and simple patterns.

Denim and leather: I love the juxtaposition of casual and edgy; it's an unexpected combination.

Mint green: this color was seen on nails all throughout summer and fall last year, and now the color is back, this time showing up on simple knits, as seen in Alexander Wang's Spring 2011 line, and some recent blogger outfit posts shown below.

Neutral colors: Simple neutral tones are back! Beige, gray, and white minimalist separates show up in Helmet Lang's Spring 2011 line.

Image Sources: LateAfternoon, SongofStyle, FashionToast, Lookbook, Vanessa Jackman, Trini, Fiction Living

RIDING PRETTY: HOW TO BE BICYCLE CHIC

As many of my fellow UCD fashionistas have learned (probably the hard way), riding a bike while wearing a cute outfit can sometimes be challenging. Operating a bike while wearing a short dress, heeled boots, or carrying a shoulder bag can serve as a hazard to both yourself and those riding nearby. Seeing as Davis is one of the largest biking communities in the country, here are some practical pointers to help you stay safe while looking cute.

1. Invest in a basket (that can either be attached to the front handle bars of your bike or to a rear rack fixed to the back wheel) to store your backpack or book bag thus leaving your shoulder(s) weight-free. This chic rider has both on her bike.

2. Wear biking shorts under dresses and skirts to prevent any unwanted exposure. Trust me when I say this is a necessity, especially on windy days during warmer months.

3. When wearing heels, it might come in handy to pack an extra pair of shoes just in case your heel breaks off.

4. Fenders, fenders fenders!!! Make sure you have one for both your front wheel and your back wheel to ensure your outfits stay mud and dirt free. A couple of other bike accessories to consider: an enclosed chain gaurd to keep your jeans from getting caught and ripping and a skirt gaurd attached to the back wheel which might be necessary if you wear a lot of skirts. Model Agyness Deyn has all three bicycle fixtures on her vintage cruiser.

Image Sources: Vogue, The Sartorialist, Hanneli, Posh24, Ride Strong

And finally, don't be afraid to sport a helmet! While many students on campus choose not to wear one, remember that your safety comes first. Wear it loud and wear it proud!

STYLE ICON: OLIVIA PALERMO

There's no question that Olivia Palermo, of The City fame, has impeccable style. The 24 year old socialite and fashionista has an eye for tastefully mixing different textures, patterns, and colors, to create looks that are aesthetically pleasing, elegant, and youthful. Whether she is pairing a shredded chiffon skirt with a crocodile leather clutch, or sporting a monochromatic look of army green, each outfit makes a statement, and each outfit is just right. Take a look at some of her best sartorial moments below, and find out how to get her look.