Hi everyone.
I was on a website the other day (charmandchain.com - its fantastic. go look) and saw this and thought of you...or rather thought of what I said TO you. This website totally gets my feeling about vintage things. Seeee? Vintage is cool!

On another note, I would like to talk about plum. Or, more importantly, Fresh's Sugar Plum lip tint. Plum makeup (eyes, lips, cheeks, nails - you name it) has been gracing the runways and magazines this season. And, to make the it color more wearable, Sugar concocted a plum version of their best-selling tint. A tint is like a chapstick with a drop of color, which results in a sheer wash. They also make it in Rose and no color. I own the plum and the rose - rose for summer, plum for fall - and they are honestly the only lip makeup I use. I don't really like lipgloss because it makes your lips sticky and the shine is overpowering. With the tint, my lips feel soft and comfortable and I get the color I want. The plum tint is sheer, but buildable to a rich plum, and shiny, but not like a gloss. I like it because I think it makes me look like I was eating a blackberry or cherries or something and my lips just got stained. It's sexy and fun and flattering and....just GOOD! In every way! It is the one thing that I carry with me to school and always keep in my bag. The one downside is that you have to keep re-applying it or the color will fade. But I don't think this is such a problem that I wouldn't get it. The color in the tube is deceiving...

Confidence, Labels, and Vintage Stores

Ok. This is kind of a side note to the actual post. You know what pisses me off? When I'm sitting in art class and someone's like "ugh mine is so bad yours is so good I'm so jealous why can't I do anything?!?!". It's really annoying. Like, if you obviously think you're so terrible what are you doing here! Putting yourself down or elevating other people, either for attention or genuinely because of low confidence, doesn't do any good. And if you lack confidence, everyone can see it. Just wanted to get that out there.

Anyway, this is not what I wanted to talk about the entire time. What I really wanted to discuss was labels. People like big labels because they are synonymous with wealth, quality, history, and a bunch of other things. Just wearing a label because you want people to know you have this label is not my thing. Like Coach. Is it really necessary to have Coach written on EVERYTHING? Just in case the wearer and all around them forgot? If you are going to splurge on something, why get something tacky and flashy when you can get something that is classic? That's the beauty of high quality pieces: they are made to last FOR-EVER. The place to get something truly unique is really a vintage store. There you may even find one of your favorite labels, and it's even cooler if it's vintage. Imagine....bag. vintage Chloe. (my favorite bag ever: Rachel Bilson's green vintage Chloe!) I just think it makes it sound....cooler! I don't know why! The other thing about labels, is once they get really mainstream, they lose some of their allure. Like, say everyone has the same pair of shoes with the obvious Louboutin red sole. Do you really still want them? That's the other thing about vintage. No one will have the same thing as you! Some people are crazy about the Coach C's and the Louis Vuitton LV's and the Chanel CC's, but I think that once it becomes a symbol for another meaning, it loses some allure. This year's biggest hits are brands like Marni and Dries Van Noten, quirky but classic and interestingly beautiful. Little boutique-ie stores and small designers with large clientele is the direction you should be looking for new outfit staples. And isn't fashion all about the new and unknown anyway?

Vince Metallic Shirt

I have a new obsession everyone. Are you ready? Ok. It's the Vince Metallic Shirt. A semi-boatneck cut with short cuffed sleeves, it's made of a super-metallic thread woven together...the material is really hard to describe. If you look at it really closely it kind of looks like a bunch of metal beads strung tightly together. You wouldn't think that something this funky would be so neutral, but it IS! I envision it thrown on with jeans for day and with leather city shorts, black tights, and shooties for night (and these are only SOME of the options...). It is definetly my new wardrobe staple!

See for yourself....fantastic!

Runway and Real-way

Do you ever come across a picture in a magazine and go "oh god...why would a designer EVER send a model down the runway dressed like THAT?!!? I would NEVER wear THAT"? Well, my dear reader, this is because fashion does not always revolve around your wants as a customer. I mean mostly it does, but sometimes it doesn't. A runway show is not a walking catalogue for a shopper, but a way for the fashion designer to express him/herself. Think of runway as art, because it is. Would you ever walk out of the house with a Monet painting hanging around your neck? Um...no! But a printed dress with a watercolor-esque pattern? Sure. Translating looks from runway to real-way will help you incorporate up-and-coming trends into your wardrobe without looking like Lady Gaga.

Figure out  the mood that the designer is trying to convey through the outfit and styling. Chic and vintage like at Louis Vuitton? Structured and tailored like at YSL? Classic and Parisian-inspired at Oscar de la Renta? If the model is dressed in a dotted skirt and a dotted jacket and a dotted hat, obviously the trend that the designer is trying to get across is the classic look of polka-dots. Instead of going for the full-blown runway outfit, try adding an extra that references the trend or having one trendy piece paired with something more understated or unexpected.

As far as styling goes, try using the same principal. Extract from runway looks colors, and not as much textures or application. Dark, rich plum lips were a big fixture on the runways this season. Instead  of the opaque matte look, try something sheer like Sugar Plum lip tint. This way you're getting the color and the trend but in a much more wearable form.

Next time you read a magazine, try to understand the editorial and artistic side of runway. By understanding the trends, it is easier to translate from Runway to Real-way.

Skincare

My great grandma told my grandma (who tells me constantly today), "you only have one face, take care of it". Many teens and adults alike would say that their skin is the feature they would most likely want to improve, and most people treat concealer as a necessity. If you take a few simple steps each day to take care of your skin, it can really improve.

1. Go to a dermatologist. They can assess your skin and tell you what you need to be focusing on to improve. They can also perscribe medication (the MUCH smarter and effective alternative to putting toothpaste on a zit) to help with acne or other skin problems you might be facing.

2. Make sure you are using good products. I have tried a ton of face cleansers and the one I swear by is Mario Badescu.  Their facials are the only ones that don't make me break out. Each product is designed for a certain skin type and to help a certain problem. If you have oily skin, go for something oil free with glycolic acid. If you have sensitive skin, get something less harsh and probably without the glycolic acid. Get the right products for your skin (dermatologist can help - see step 1) and make sure they are good quality because anything less can damage or irritate your skin.

3. Make sure you follow a strict routine! I can't stress this enough to you! Say you come home after a party and you're wearing makeup but you're tired so you don't wash your face - Not going to work!!! Even everyday makeup gets inside pores and clogs them, so you have to wash your face every morning and night to clean not only your pores but also any other dirt that is on your face at the end of the day. I use the seaweed cleanser every day and the glycolic cleanser 2-3 times a week, followed by the Aloe lotion, which is a toner, and moisturizer. Sounds like a lot, right? It really isn't, and sticking to it every day helps your skin so much - you don't even understand. Then, every Monday is "Mask Monday" where I use a mask to help further cleanse and detoxify my skin, instead of getting more pricey facials frequently. Moisturize day and night! It won't make your skin oily if you use a FACE moisturizer - don't just put what you put on your legs on your face - and remedys dryness. It's best to choose one with an SPF, so you get the extra bonus of protection from the sun.

Over the summer I had really problem skin, and when I discovered Mario Badescu (seriously guys, try it. It's so amazing - and I'm not the only one who thinks so! In the lobby of their NY spa there is pictures of tons of celebrities who owe them their skin!) and stuck to my strict routine, my skin instantly cleared up. Wearing makeup every day worsens the problem - letting your pores breathe seriously makes a difference. A person's skin is the first thing someone notices, so if you take care of it, it will take care of you.

Versatility (aka. mixandmatchability)

You're standing in a store. In a dressing room. And you have on a top; oh this top! It's the most amazing thing you've ever seen in your life. You're freaking out so much that the saleswoman knocks on the door to make sure you're all right. Which you kind of aren't. Let's say the top is a little out of reach budget wise. What constitutes as a good buy, and what will sit in your closet?
The thing about a piece is that it's just that: a piece. A good piece should always work with the items you already have, not stand alone. I'm not saying it isn't nice to get a full outfit, because it is, but make sure that the elements of the outfit can be taken apart to wear seperately (ie. I have an outfit from J.Crew: sequin skirt, olive tank, pink studded cardi, belt. I can wear the tank with jeans, the sweater with anything, and the belt to school) Easy!

Try adding...
something more structured, like a boyfriend blazer. The thing that differs between a blazer and a boyfriend blazer is that the boyfriend is slightly shrunken length wise and in the arms. Although most people associate blazers with, say, buisnesspeople, thrown on with a white tee adds a hip, unexpected edge (think Rachel Bilson). For a night out, consider pairing your blazer with an overtly feminine frock or something really short (think Blake Lively).

an easygoing top/tunic type thing. Something that you can just throw on and go. Slouchy tops to wear with leggings or skinny jeans are great for day with sandals or flats. For night, belt it to give it an edge and complete the look with heels and funky jewelry.

cuffed shorts. An alternative to skirts, shorts can not only be practical, but also surprisingly versatile. When it's warm, wear them with a tucked in button down and some cute sandals. When it's cold, add tights (patterned or plain) and socks with boots or peep toe booties. For night, add a sequin tuxedo jacket and you're in buisness.

Elements of a Great Outfit

Ever see a girl on the street that makes you think "wow, I want to buy that outfit off of her""? Instead of wondering what she thinks about as she lays out her clothes, think about what you see and why it looks interesting. If you look out for and follow these elements of a good outfit, you'll be the one stopping traffic.
1. Color: color is very important in an outfit. Either it clashes, it matches, or it works. Finding your best colors will be the key to mastering this. Stay away from all neons as these will not complement anyone's skintone and make everyone look sickly.

2. Juxtaposition: if you're wearing a flowy top, don't wear something oversized on bottom. If you're wearing a body-con top, put away the skinnies. It's all about the juxtaposition. Feminine/masculine, sweet/tough, flowy/tight...I love to mix tough fabrics like leather with feminine frocks or menswear-inspired blazers with a miniskirt.

3. Pattern/texture: pattern and texture are the things that really make an outfit interesting to the eye. I'm watching Project Runway right now, and one of the contestants, Mondo, is especially good at this. Texture and pattern go hand in hand, but I'd say out of the two of them, pattern is the easiest to screw up. When in doubt about mixing patterns, make sure they don't clash, but instead compliment eachother.

4. Cut: probably the most important of the 4.  What's that saying...if the shoe doesn't fit, you're the ugly stepsister? If you have a pair of jeans and they're too tight in the waist and baggy in the butt and short in the crotch and drag on the floor, why in god's name would you EVER put them on?! If it doesn't fit you like it should, it's not serving its purpose of making you look the absolute best. You know, there's this really cool thing these days called a tailor, and they'll fix any item of clothing so fits you like it was made for you. Who knew?

Now that you know the recipe for a standout outfit, you won't need to watch in lust anymore. ColorJuxtapositionPatternTextureCut...CJPTC! Any time you see an It Girl on the street, take in the outfit, and realize how YOU can do it better!

Email

So...I was checking my email today...and I realized that I am on the mailing list of so many good fashion/style websites, so I figured I'd clue you in a little. Here are my MUST SUBSCRIBE website mailing lists:

Daily Candy: my absolute favorite. Depending what issues you sign up to receive, Daily Candy sends you special deals, events, and things you should check either in your area or online. They also feature smaller, more boutique-ie stores, so you can find something you never knew your area had. I subscribe to the Everywhere version, the Miami version, and the New York version, because who knows when a sample sale is going to pop up.

Swirl Daily Candy: basically a website by Daily Candy for sample sales. Instead of getting deals on brands, Swirl takes you straight to the sale.

The Zoe Report: there are 2 things you can never have enough of: lipsticks, and the Zoe Report. A daily tap into the mind of Rachel Zoe, you receive info on new products or items she is currently obsessed with. Plus, although she tends to flock to more expensive pieces, a feature at the bottom called "Parallel Universe" shows you how to get the look for less. A mix of functional and avante garde pieces, it's like having your own personal portable stylist.

Who What Wear: daily style features on artists, stars, and even regular girls. The main focus of their emails is personal style and how to mix different things to get your own look, which is why they have in-depth analysis of their feature's perfect style formulas too, not just pictures.Today I received one about Blake Lively - yay! The creators of the website also wrote a style book, which gets the coveted spot of my center bookshelf. Ever see a picture of a celebrity in a magazine and go "Oh god what issss thissss!!?!!"? There's even a feature on their website to track down what the celebrity was wearing. How cool is that?

Barney's New York: more of a store than a style website, granted, but the Barney's ads are more editorial than commercial if you know what I mean. Their images are interesting and fun to look at, not to mention the clothes and the Irene Neuwirth jewels that sometimes pop up...plus it's always fun to read the Barney's Babble by Simon Doonan!

Are you typing in these websites to subscribe as you read? YOU SHOULD BE! Checking your email is no longer boring...it can be chic!
PS. speaking about technology being chic...did you know that the iPad is popular not only with buisness people and techies, but also the fashion community? Check out the stylish new iPad cases in the works! Ka-razayyy!

The Basics - Part 2 - Accessorizing with jewelry

Hello there....what post is this...? THE BASICS - PART 2 - ACCESSORIZING WITH JEWELRY!
I have always had a love for sparkly things. When I was a baby and I would not cooperate, my mom would sit me on the counter with her jewelry box and I would be mesmerized for a moment looking through it all. Jewelry has always played a big part in culture. Even in BC years, people like the Carthaginians were constructing fine jewelry to wear and trade. I recently read a book about Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's romance, Furious Love, which talked about Taylor's collection of jems (mostly from Bulgari). (editor's note: I saw her collection on display in Rome....her jewelry was ***ridiculous) Although we obviously can't wear fine jewelry to school or in the daytime, you can accessorize with fun, chunky pieces to add something extra to a look.
When looking for pieces like this, try to stay away from the big brands and department stores. Places like street fairs and antique stores can have really cool and interesting pieces that are not only completely unique, but also probably not as expensive. For example, I have a ring, that I got literally on the street in New York, that is a big green irridescent stone wrapped in copper wire, and I wear it to death.
Layering and stacking also does the trick. If you have a lot of, say, silver Tiffany's  necklaces that are about the same length, try wearing them together. Also try wearing a couple rings stacked on a finger. At the moment I am wearing 4.
The only earrings I really wear are my diamond studs, but changing up earrings can also be a great way to freshening up a look. Wear your hair back with standout earrings for maximum wow-factor.
I don't wear bracelets much. I honestly don't know why. But I still really love a big cuff or gold bangles. I prefer to wear watches, especially if I'm wearing rings, because I feel like the leather of the watchband juxtaposes with the gemmy look of the rings nicely. The watch I wear to death is a vintage Tiffany's round gold men's watch with a brown band. My other watch, also Tiffany's, is square and silver and usually reserved for more special occassions.
Places like Forever 21 and Target have departments fully based on fun trend-driven jewelry, so they would be good places to start on your quest to accessorize! Don't say you're too lazy to accessorize (or too lazy to do anything...cough cough YL), because that sounds really stupid. You really had no time this morning to slide on a ring? Really???
Coco Chanel once said "Before you leave the house, take off one piece of jewelry". Although accessorizing can easily add interest and glam to any outfit, going overboard (ie. big earrings, big necklace, big bracelet, big rings) just screams tacky, so be careful!

Pinkberry and a Peacoat

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't been up to date on blogs....we stayed at the Regency and there was no wifi in the room...you had to go down to the lobby and I was SO not doing that. Anyway, yeah. I'm back now...in stupid ugly waste-of-a-state Florida. Everything is just so much better in New York, you know?? For those who have never been...I feel so bad for you. Seriously. You might as well be living in....the desert. In Alaska. On an island. Exactly.
New York is like Bal Harbour in the sense that you have to dress all cute when you're there because you're in the presence of all of these fashionable people. Like, on Saturday, we went down to the meatpacking district and there was this party with a bunch of models I guess and I was in the dressing room of Scoop and this girl walks out and seriously. She was like drop dead. Plus, it was a little chilly, so I got to bring all of my cute coats (a whole suitcase full pretty much).

Day 1: skinny jeans - Blank, sheer black button down - Theory, cropped camel coat - Robert Rodriguez, flats - Chanel.
Got off the airplane and after dropping off our stuff at the hotel, hopped in a cab and walked around a bit. At 4:30 headed to Mario Badescu to get facials - they're literally the best. All of my skincare products are from them and they're the only facials that actually HELP rather than make me break out. After that, stopped at Buttercup Bakeshop and picked up cupcakes! Dinner at the Regency.

Day 2: white skinny jeans - Genetic, camel turtleneck - Ralph Lauren, navy peacoat - J.Crew, flats - Chanel
Woke up early and went to job interview at Racher Press...we were early so we walked around and found a cute coffee shop with beautiful chocolate stuff...got a bi-monthly column in MMR! Lunch at Max Brenners - omg. Chocolate pizza. Enough said. Walked around the Flatiron and found a street market where we met Ava and Eva at Vale. Got 4 stacking rings, sapphire, moonstone, amethyst, and turquoise, and a gorgeous chunky necklace. Went to Club Monaco and got a pair of plaid shorts, sheer top with sequin-ish detail, chunky socks, and grey cardi. Dinner from Lilli and Loo - Chinese! Florida has the suckiest Chinese food. Went in a cab, came back in a cab, until we realized it was literally ONE BLOCK away from our hotel...

Day 3: black dress - Theory, black tights, chunky socks - Club Monaco, grey sweater - Club Monaco, trench - Old Navy
Realized the tank and shorts from Club Monaco AND the necklace from Vale were NOT in our posession...texted Ava and she found it. Woke up early and went BACK to the Flatiron to pick them up. Met up with my camp friends J and L and went to Pinkberry...I could literally eat Pinkberry all day. Watermelon with strawberries and blueberries all the way! Went back to J's house and met up with her school friend from Horace Mann. Went to the meatpacking district for dinner. That's like my favorite area. I could totally live there...Diane von Furstenberg does! You can see her house from the Highline Park.

Day 3: plaid shorts - Club Monaco, sequin shirt - Club Monaco, black tights, socks - Club Monaco, grey suede oxfords - Boutique 9, camel sweater - Tory Burch, navy peacoat - J.Crew
Went to the Met and went up to the roof to see the Big Bambu exhibit. I have to admit, I thought the skyline was prettier. Then to the West side. Found a street fair and I got a gorgeous necklace with all sapphires - it's my birthstone! Then went to Pinkberry again, and then to Laila Rowe. Very disappointed with Rickys; the halloween stuff covered all of the nail polish! Had to rush back to the Regency to meet my grandma with a car to go to the airport :(

I think we're going back up for Christmas....PLEASE OH PLEASE!!

Airport Attire!

You know how everyone thinks "oh, we're going to the airport, I better wear the most comfy clothes possible"?? Yeah. Not gonna work. There is absolutely no reason to dress like a hobo. Ever. It's easy to dress comfortably and look cute enough to actually step OFF an airplane when traveling!
First off, Juicy sweatsuits. ... I don't even know what to say about these. Unless you're pregnant, at sleepaway camp, or infirmed, these are NOT for you. Have you really ever looked at someone wearing one?? There is no possible way that this can be flattering, unless you're literally a stick. Actually, let's just stay away from sweatpants alltogether. Sweatshirts are more tolerable, but you have to wear them with jeans or something of the like to retain SOME kind of puttogetherness (ps. that's a word now). Tennis shoes? Pfttt! (pps. that was supposed to me be sticking my tongue out). I mean it's not like I have anything against sneakers...just kidding I completely DO have something against sneakers. They're good for working out and playing sports. But that can be it. Converse or something like that are better, but I personally prefer a ballet flat, because they're easy to get on and off at security. Always bring a sweater or jacket, in case the airplane or the place you are going is chilly. It might also be a good idea to dress in layers, so depending on the weather where you're leaving from and where you're going, you can have something to take off or put on. DO NOT EVER think that you can go on an airplane in big fuzzy socks your pjs. Unless you're taking the red-eye, and in that case you can get a 'get out of jail free' card. You know, people used to get dressed in dresses and suits to ride airplanes. The least you can do is put on a pair of jeans.

Packing!

Hey everyone! Sorry I didn't post last night - I've been caught up in all the prep for the Girls Trip!
Huh? What is the Girls Trip you say?
I have two brothers, so every year me, my mom, and my grandma go to New York for a couple of days. We shop, eat Crumbs cupcakes, I visit my friends, shop some more. Since then, it has gown to also include my aunt and my 2 cousins, S and J. It's J's first year on the Girls Trip, and considering she's actually the cutest thing ever, I'm kind of excited :) We leave tomorrow morning at 7 and leave the city Sunday night!
ANYWAY, packing. Right. Honestly, packing was not always my strong suit. How do I condense all of my possible outfits and choose which ones to bring?
Ok, so the first thing I know that I'm definetly bringing is my new navy J.Crew peacoat. The next definites are a pair of blue jeans and a pair of white jeans. And the last absolute definite is a simple white Theory button down. Check. Next, I can start planning outfits around that. As your definites, choose simple classics. Then you can accessorize depending on your mood; instead of bringing multiple outfits to choose from, bring some more accessories. Then once all of my essentials and outfit builders are out, I can take out my underwear, pajamas, and tights. Because it's going to be chilly, I bring 2 pairs of normal tights (one black, one with subtle sparkle) and 1 pair of lace-esque black tights. Again, sticking with simple colors so I can wear them with any one of my outfit combos. Lastly I throw in a pair of boots, shooties, and flats, and a leather jacket for good measure. Voila! I am packed!

Socks!

What's hot? A sock! Crazy funky chunky socks....Like my hat song remix? I do :) So, today me and my dad were walking around Bloomingdales and I was dyinggg for their socks and my dad was like woah these are so 80's. Except they're not. This season's high socks and leg warmers are all in neutral colors and are meant to be worn with unexpected shoes....for example, boots. And oxfords. And OVER tights. Patterned tights to be exact. Imagine the look: shorts. black tights. argyle high socks. grungy brown boots. Are you feeling it yet?? If you're going with the socks with boots look, they have to be rather thin to fit under them and hug to your leg. If you prefer the leg warmers, make sure they're nice and bunchy. And always remember the neutral rule. Monotone. No neons. Puh-lease. My friend E said to me one day, "A. Are you going through an identity crisis or something where you think you're an 80-year-old man??" NO. E. SOCKS ARE CUTE!
This is a strange post. I'm yelling about socks now. Woohoo!
No gossip girl tonight...tear tear :'(
Till tomorrow loves!

Lady Sings the Blues and Across the Universe

When I was little, my mom used to give me her jewelry box to look at to keep me quiet. Not much has changed; I'm still attracted to shiny sparkly things like a moth. Which is why I'm in love with Deborah Lippmann nail polish. My favorite quality of Lippmanns are the hexagonal sequins and glitter suspended in a jelly base. It just gives the polish such depth that you can't stop staring at it, literally. It's becoming quite an issue at tennis. Anywhoo, because they're pretty expensive for nail polish ($18 a bottle), I only have one or two. If I could, I'd buy the whole lot. They're so gorgeous that they're actually worth the price. My brother got me a pack for my birthday (my favorite being Lady Sings the Blues). Lady Sings the Blues is a dark navy jelly base that takes 2-3 coats o become opaque. It has silver glitter and silver hexagonal sequins floating around in it and as it dries they rise to the top. When it's dry it looks like the night sky. It's absolutely mesmerizing. At the moment I'm wearing another Lippmann color I borrowed from my friend, Across the Universe. It looks like a mermaid exploded on my fingertips. No joke. First off, its a sheer blue jelly base. It needs 3 coats to become fully opaque. Then it has turquoise irridescent glitter plus light blueish/silver and green hexagonal sequins. Each nail looks like a work of art. Even people who say they're not usually attracted to this look have been asking me about it.
There's no doubt that these polishes are unique. It's up to you if they constitute the high price tag. Nails are the forgotten accessory, and a beautiful polish color will have everyone staring.
Across the Universe and Lady Sings the Blues, swatches courtesy of alllacqueredup.com

Parties!

At the moment, I am sitting in my bathroom getting ready for a party I have tonight, so I thought it would be a PERFECT time to talk about attire at parties!
Deciphering the Dress Code:
Most Bar/Bat Mitzvahs are cocktail attire. This means like a pretty dress/ skirt or whatever and (if you like to) heels. Black tie is more formal than this, and you generally wouldn't wear like a short little see-through thing to something black tie. As if you should wear that anywhere though...And then casual is...casual. Club attire is one-up from casual, and you can wear something more funky (ie. sparkly etc.). If the invitation says something really weird like "Dress to Party!", the best thing to do is call the host or another person who is attending the party to help you.
Dressing:
My favorite part about parties honestly is getting dressed (big shocker). Places like BCBG, Forever 21, and even Express have a lot of funky pieces to easily find something new or to freshen up a look. At a higher price point, Alice+Olivia has some pieces that are cute and flirty for teens. As for footwear, I am SO over those big clunky black strappy things. With a sparkly short dress or something really standout, nude heels are really the way to go. Not only are they neutral and let your outfit do the talking, but, since they're nude, they also elongate your legs. If you're looking for funkier footwear, try something unexpected like Topshop's loafer heels. If you're going to be in temple, it's much better if you throw on something over your party outfit. I like jackets more than sweaters personally. At the moment I have my sights set on an AH-MAZING Elizabeth and James white blazer/tuxedo jacket thing. It adds an unexpected menswear twist to an otherwise overtly feminine cocktail dress.
Have you noticed I used the word unexpected a lot? If everyone going to the party is wearing the same thing, what's the fun! When it comes to something as fun as party clothes, experiment with styles, cuts, and textures. It' up to YOU to set new trends at your school! Why blend in when you can stand out?
IN: sequins (Lippmann's hexagonal ones too!), doing the unexpected, and AAS
OUT: Gossip Girl on Saturdays
This is what I'm wearing tonight...how about THAT for unexpected! BAM! And look at that back!

OMG.

Omg. Everyone. Omg. I'm obsessed. Can you tell I'm obsessed??? So, I was checking my email yesterday and I got one from Who What Wear (ps that's a great website) that had something about this French line so I went on the website anddd....LOVE! Everything is sooo gorgeous and me and FRENCH. I really want to learn French, btws. I don't really want to take it though (I take Chinese); I just kind of want to wake up and know it....ANYWHOO they don't have any stores in the US but I'm so enmored that I think I'm going to have to order online. The website is http://www.maje.com/ so CHECK IT OUTTT!! Because I'm completely and utterly...I think you get the point :)

Bang for your Buck

Pop quiz! Let's say I get you the most gorgeous pair of Chanel flats for your birthday (I know. I'm just so generous). You're allowed to wear flats to school, and they work with your uniform, but they cost a lot of money. Do you a) wear them every day, or b) save them for special occasions. Is your answer locked in yet?
Ok, RESULTS! Did you say b? CONGRATULATIONS! You just failed. Today's lesson is how to get more bang from your buck!
Let's examine all the reasons why saving the shoes for a special occasion is a bad idea. First, as a teenager, there's still a possibility that your feet will grow. How terrible is it when you have a party and you're all excited to wear your shoes so you go into the closet AND...they don't fit anymore. Then, not only did you not get to wear them to your pary, but I just spent around $500 for you to wear the stupid shoes twice. Catching on yet? Also, if you're worried about ruining them, realize that the reason they're expensive is because they are made of quality materials. The Chanel shoes I bought you are built to last (trust me. My grandma still has a pair from god knows then), so don't worry about wear. There is one exception to this. Once I saw a gorgeous pair of Juicy flats (but the kind that don't really look like they're Juicy, you know?) in a magazine so I ordered them in NY and the day they got to me I wore them to school. Big mistake. All of the stones fell off and the front was unraveling by the end of the day. The happy ending is that I sent them back. So if something expensive of yours starts falling apart, don't be afraid to take it back or go to the store you purchased it, because they'll be glad to fix anything.
Now, did you open the box in the box of Chanel shoes? I think I forgot to mention that I also bought you a pair of 18 karat diamond earrings for your birthday too...If it's jewelry you're worried about, there are some simple ways you can ease your worry. Worried a stone will fall out? Before you put on the earrings I bought you each day, try to move around the stones a little and see if they wiggle. If they're wiggling even the slightest bit, don't wear them and call me to ask the jeweler I got them at so you can ask them to tighten the prongs. Worried about them cracking? Come on. They're stones. Better yet, they're diamonds. Do you really think they're going to break??? Worried they will fall out? Sometimes I actually go up to touch my earrings during the day to make sure they're still there. To prevent them falling out, get a big back that will snap into the back. This makes it more secure in your ear. What if it's a necklace and you're worried about the chain snapping? How about, don't pull on it and it won't snap. Uhh...DUHHH!
Whether it's jewelry or an item of clothing, anything nice is obviously built to last. Now, in case you haven't reaized yet, I am SO not getting you Chanel flats and 18 karat  diamond earrings for your birthday (heck, want to get ME Chanel flats and 18k diamond earrings for MY birthday!?!?). Although these things are clearly in the lust category and not the must category, if you love it, wear it, because eventually you will grow out of it or it will go out of style. Don't let it collect dust in the back of your closet.
IN: skinny cargo pants, vintage anything, SPREADING THE WORD!
OUT: green and yellow panthers, crocs (ps these are always unacceptable, therefore they are only getting a place on the OUT list once, and here on forward their presence is implied), abnoxious people

ps. just heard Ke$ha plans to have her own line. I'm sorry Ke$ha, no, no one else thinks it's acceptable to wear garbage bags and tiger masks out of the house, so don't plan this being a permanent thing.

Garbage bag chic? No. There is nothing chic about this look. You wouldn't know chic if you came face to face with....the chic fairy. That didn't make much sense did it...WELL PRETEND IT DID :) And what's with the Avatar-esque hair...braid...thingy...(?????)

Eye Makeup!

Let's see if you're learning anything in school. What do post 1, 2, and 3 have in common? Did you figure it out?? Eyeliner on only the bottom lashline is ALWAYS OUT. Have you ever noticed that the only people who wear eyeliner like this are middle school girls? Not only does this look really strange (it makes your bottom lashline look wayyyyy darker than your top...I don't understand how this could be attractive...), but black eyeliner corner to corner on your waterline actually makes your eyes look MUCH smaller than they are. So, unless you're a supermodel with eyes the size of baseballs or you purposely want to identify yourself as a "middleschoolgirl", this look is NOT for ANYONE. This what you need instead:
1. a BROWN, not black, eye pencil (waterproof)
2. a palate of neutral eye shadows, such as browns, dark greens, and gold (yes, gold is considered a neutral)
3. black or brown mascara (waterproof)
4. a thick brush with a slanted edge (crease brush)
5. a really skinny brush
6. white or light pink or yellow eyeshadow (for hilighting only)
 Ok, so the first thing you do is take the brown eyeliner and start abut a quarter of the way from the inside corner of your eye. Start with a very thin line right on your top lashline and work your way to a thicker line as you get to the outer corner of your eye. You can line the outside corner of your eye an go very lighly in only the corner on your bottom lashline if you want. Next, take the thin brush in the bown eyeshadow and trace lightly on and on top of the line you just drew to soften it a little. Then take the crease brush in the same brown and move it back and forth only in your eye crease. Take your lighter brown or gold then and fill in lighly between your crease line and your eyeliner and right above your crease. Dab a tiny bit of your hilighting color on your pinky and put the tiniest amout in the inside corner of your eye and right on your browbone. Finish with a coat of mascara (wiggle th brush close to the eye and then kind of twirl it as you pull).
This is a great and natural look for day, and you can substitute the brown and gold for whatever colors you think suit your complexion the best. I personally like to use a sheer dark green, and my blonde friend ARB likes purple. Now that you know how to apply eye makeup, there's no reason I should ever catch you reverting to your old raccoon ways. Right? RIGHTTT?!?!?
IN: legwarmers, menswear inspired clothes, NATURALNESS!
OUT: Lexi (ANTM!), colorful doc martens, EYELINER ON ONLY THE BOTTOM LASHLINE

Cute vs. Slutty

I think I need to address this before we go any further. Where is the line between cute and slutty? A few basic rules to follow:
1. Honestly, I don't want to see your butt. If I can, it's too short. Now, I'm not asking you to join a convent or whatever and wear skirts down to your ankles, but maybe a couple inches longer?
2. Do not wear a dark/bright bra with a white/see-through shirt. It just doesn't look classy.
3. As a general rule, if you're wearing a skin-tight bottom, don't wear a skin-tight top. This will also bring a little diversity to an outfit and is generally more flattering anyways.
4. Short bottoms and heels are great for night, but tone it down a little in the day with flats
5. Bra straps should not be visible. Hello? Have you ever heard of a strapless?? (see rule 2)
Remember, how you put yourself together tells a lot about your character. I went to a party once with a group of people I don't know so well, and although the girls might have all been really nice, the prevailing trend of the group prompted me to think otherwise.
IN: white blazers, fashion shows, looking put together
OUT: eyeliner on only the bottom lashline, waiting, looking like Taylor Momsen

Come on...honestly. Which one's better?

The Basics - Part 1 (Belts)

Now that you've discovered (or are on the road to discover) your personal style, I've decided to hit some of the basic staples of accessorizing. Someone told me they wanted to hear about belts, so I guess I'll talk about that first. Hey B!
Wearing a belt is NOT rocket science. It's not one of those things that takes a year to master and an hour to put on. So don't complain that "you're too lazy to wear belts". A good belt can not only add something interesting to an outfit/uniform, but also emphasize a small waist (all good things!).
Thick Belts: these are the most waist-emphasizing of belts and are usually elastic...generally better in more neutral colors for day (and no patent leather. please god no patent leather).
Skinny Belts: these can come in all kinds of fun colors and textures and are great with skirts, shorts, over cardigans, you name it.
Braided Belts: braided belts are generally more for pant-loop use, but it's also really cool to get a longer one and knot it around your waist for something extra. You can also do this with skinny belts (see above).
Hip Belts: DO NOT confuse these with waist belts. You WILL look funny. Hip belts are normally pretty basic thick leather belts,  sometimes with studs or bigger hardware. Great with boyfriend jeans, not so spectacular with uniform skirts.
Interesting Belts: ok, so I know this isn't really a type of belt, but they needed to be addressed. I'm talking about those belts with like a huge intricate buckle or that loops around asymetrically and twice, you know? These can be AH-MAZING if you keep the rest of the outfit simple. The coolest ones are vintage-y, so ask if your mom or grandma or even great grandma has some of these. I'm wearing one tomorrow I snatched off a dress with a big gold buckle with a snake on it. Like I said before, if you're going for this look keep the rest of it tasteful.
Layering Belts: if you feel like it, go for it. Make sure the belt colors are in the same family first. When you put them on, loop them and braid them into each other, and be sure the belt buckles do NOT line up.
So that's pretty much all of your basic belts. Hope it kind of helped, B :)
Now it's time to get ready for my favorite show, Gossip Girl! Bad Chuck, Good Chuck, Old Chuck, New Chuck...and Eva's a - just kidding! You'll have to watch it to find out!
IN: belts, things with snakes, Monday nights
OUT: eyeliner on only the bottom lashline, laziness, Mondays

Personal Style Confidential

preppy. n. person whose manner and dress are deemed typical of traditional preparatory schools.
Typical is SO out. We may be stuck with the framework, but, I mean, who stops there? Imagine if architects only stopped at the framework when building a house. Would YOU want to be living with exposed walls and pipes? That's right. I didn't think so. In a school where everyone looks the same, wouldn't you want to stand out? Believe it or not, it's ACTUALLY fun and easy to dress up (or down!) your uniform to show your own personal style! But first, you might want to figure out what your personal style IS.
Some things to do to discover your own personal style:
1. Make an inspiration board (or a notebook for that matter). Go through magazines and pick out what you like and whatever gets a reaction out of you. Things in my inspiration book: Louis Vuitton 50's-inspired dresses, a picture of Karl Lagerfeld, gigantic Balenciaga platforms, and a watch that looks like a snake. Seem totally random? Yeah! It kind of is! But it'll get you thinking - what is the connection between these things, why did I choose them, and what does that say about my style?
2. Look at what your favorite celebrities are wearing. Celebrities get access to the best stylists around, so of course they dress well - most of the time. Find one of your favorites and analyze THEIR style. What is it about their style that you would want to emulate? Personally, I would want to steal Rachel Bilson's Chloe bag collection and hide it in my closet to keep forever and if anyone asked me about it I'd totally deny it. But that's just me :)
3. Go through what you have. Maybe your grandmother's old belt would look really cool with those new shoes. Maybe you can snatch a funky tie from your brother. Try to look at an outfit in a new way each time you go to put it on. Sometimes, one can create a new persona with what they feel like wearing: in my black bow and a stand-out headband I can pretend I'm in Gossip Girl, or I can keep my hair wavy with chunky earrings and channel my inner flower child. It's your personal style that determines how you put unexpected things to good use.
Mission statement? No. I'd say it was more of a mission. You, my dear reader, are now on the path to discovering your personal style and learning how to let show (even through your school's "typical" uniform)!
IN: Classic extras, (faux!) fur, and being preppy
OUT: unflattering neons, eyeliner only on the bottom lashline, and BEING TYPICAL!