Breaking the Rules!

“It’s a new era in fashion, there are no rules. It’s all about the individual personal style.” –Alexander McQueen

            Having a unique sense of style is what sets everyone’s dressing sense apart. Style is one thing that allows me to express myself freely. I do not follow any fashion “rules” that are set when I plan my outfits. Everywhere you look, there are rules. No U-turns. No personal calls at work. No running near the pool. Relatively, in the fashion industry there are many “rules” for how to dress and style an outfit. Luckily, fashion is all about breaking the rules!

           Some of most common fashion “don’ts” that are actually “dos” that Vazquez includes are: Don’t wear white after Labor Day/before Easter, don’t match your makeup to your outfit, don’t wear bright colors or pastels in the winter, don’t wear print from head to toe, don’t mix different styles, don’t wear brocade, lace, or sparkles in the daytime, don’t mix black and blue, don’t mix black and brown don’t wear pink if you’re a redhead and don’t wear two different shades of the same color (296-298).

          These “rules” are worthless if an individual knows how to work with them. I dislike almost all of the rules that are mentioned above. Vazquez also expresses, “…we learn a number of “rules” for how to dress that simply don’t make sense in this day and age-and some that never did!” (296).

          The fashion rule I chose to break is that last one: don’t wear two different shades of the same color. In this outfit, I chose the color blue to negate this statement. My outfit consists of the shirt as being a baby blue color along with jeans that are dark blue, pairing both of those with a light electric blue pair of shoes, as the author recommended to blend different tones of the same shade for a rich, polished finish (Vazquez 298).

Out of these fashion “rules” which one would you break first? Which ones would you prefer not to break?

Vazquez, Lilliana. The Cheap Chica's Guide to Style. New York: Penguin Group, 2013. Print.

Seasons Style!

“Fashion is what you’re offered four times a year by designers. Style is what you choose” -Lauren Hutton

            Seasons can tremendously effect on how an individual dresses, prominently unveiling the way style changes over the entire year as well. There are always clothes that we label as favorites for each season. Those pieces are simple, timeless, and classic pieces that never go out of style and can be mixed and matched with each other likewise with other busier, complex items.

In all of the seasons, there are some basic clothing pieces that may come to use overall. Vasquez states “If you invest wisely in these pieces, they can-and should-last for a long time” (102). Some shirts that are worth investing in include a simple tank in black and white, white button-down, neutral-colored camisoles, thin black turtleneck, cardigan, heavy knit sweater, short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts in basic colors (Vazquez 103). Some pants and skirts include jeans, flat-front pants, white jeans, modest shorts, pencil skirts, maxi skirts, little black dress, A-line skirts, and various types of other dresses (Vazquez 104). Some jackets include fitted black blazer, leather jacket, pea coat, and a classic trench coat (Vazquez 105).

Regarding the seasons, Vasquez also states that the “majority of my list making happens at the start of a new season, when I’m reevaluating what I own and thinking about what I’d like to add with the latest styles in mind” (131). In the spring the three main pieces of clothing include the trench coat in any color, a maxi skirt which is great for any season overall (on chillier days you can just add tights and boots), an open-weave sweater, and sunglasses (Vazquez 131-132). In the summer, Vasquez recommends white jeans that look extremely crisp and new, nude flat sandals that can be worn with anything, bikini separates, and gold hoop earrings that are the go-to accessory for summer (132). In the fall, a tweed blazer to add sophistication to a wardrobe, boots in black or brown, printed scarf, and tights can create a great outfit (Vazquez 133). Lastly, in the winter a statement necklace can help with transforming a casual outfit to chic, sweaters in different colors, and something metallic to add a subtle sparkle to any outfit (Vazquez 134).

Taking some tips given by Vazquez, I decided to put together an outfit that she recommends for the winter. Focusing on just the upper part of the outfit, I chose a white sweater that I paired with a red statement necklace to further enhance the look. The two colors are extremely distinct which makes the mix and match look graceful.

Is there a specific season that you like to dress up more in than the other? What are some of your basic clothing pieces?

Vasquez, Lilliana. The Cheap Chica's Guide to Style. New York: Penguin Group, 2013. Print.

Must-Haves!

"The joy of dressing is an art" -John Galliano

Everyone has their own favorites and “must-haves” when it comes to shoes and bags. A lot of them may be common within a lot of people already. “For the most part, style is a very personal thing, tailored to the individual. But there are a few key pieces that every woman must have in her wardrobe without exception-go to pieces that will get you through any occasion” (Vasquez 289). For any type of style that you may have there are some things you most likely will need of each of the must haves Lilliana Vazquez mentions.

            In the five must-have shoes, Vazquez suggests to have nude pumps which go with everything and can be worn at almost any occasion, dressy metallic high-heel sandals that are suitable to wear at formal events and parties, high-heel black knee boots are a necessity in wintertime and can be worn with almost any outfit, flat riding boots that are very practical and comfortable, and casual flats or flat sandals which would be the staple shoes to be worn with anything in your wardrobe (290-291). In the five must-have bags, she recommends having a weekender/overnight bag which comes in handy for an overnight trip, a clutch that is cool for a formal occasion or a just a night out, a tote that you can throw many of your things which is perfect for running errands, a cross-body which is a great choice for concerts, shopping, or whenever you do not prefer something to be in your hands and a top-handle satchel that is practical and sophisticated making it a good choice for an everyday bag (Vasquez 291-292).

           Reading the list of things that Vazquez suggests to have for sure, I realized I had some of the things already such as the flat riding boots and casual flats or sandals from the shoes section and a cross-body, from the bags section. I also use them for almost the same functions as she recommends to use them for. I plan on expanding my list to match hers over time!

What shoes or bags do you carry the most? Which of the things in the list Vasquez recommends to have would you buy first?

Vasquez, Lilliana. The Cheap Chica's Guide to Style. New York: Penguin Group, 2013. Print.

Details

“Luxury is in each detail” –Hubert De Givenchy

People often overlook the details in an outfit that can take it from being so-so to stunning. The key to looking as best as possible is in the details. The biggest thing going into styling an outfit focuses on how the details can enhance it. Some details include the fit of pants, skirts, shoes, shirts, and coats.

Fit in general is considered to be the most important detail when dressing. Vasquez states “if something is too big, small, long, short, or baggy, you run the risk of looking heavier, shorter…” (279). She recommends tossing something that is not able to be altered by a tailor. Shoes should comfortably fit the length of your foot comfortably without improper fitting at the toes, or the back of your feet. If you can fit a finger between the back of your heel and the back of the shoe, the shoe is too large (279). For pants, there are a variety of options available such as wide-leg, boot-cut, flare, straight-leg, skinny, etc. Different shapes suit different type of bodies. “But a good universal cut is one that hugs the hips and then falls straight to the floor, offering a little legroom without creating an overly baggy look” (281). For skirts, there are many types also including mini, pencil, knee-length, maxi, and midi. Specific body types would extremely fit into all these categories. No matter the shape however, skirts should always be well-fitted and comfortable at the waist (284). When choosing shirts, you want to pay attention mostly how the fit is in relation to your arms and waist. “If your arms are short, get sleeves taken up so they don’t puddle; if your arms are extra-long, you may need to get shirts custom-made or roll up sleeves to disguise the length” (286). When choosing coats, you should always make sure there is enough space for the coat to be slightly loose, since you will be wearing layers underneath.

               Using these tips from the author, I decided to apply them how the way I wear my button up shirt as well as my shoes. Before, I used to wear this button up shirt without rolling my sleeves up which would not cover my arms completely making it seem ill-fitted, however using her advice to roll up the sleeves to minimize the length, it makes it seem more professional. As with the shoes, the brown flats look extremely tight on me, I sometimes wear tight-fitting shoes because I never paid attention to how they would really look, but with the same type of shoes that fit me well such as the gray ones, I can see the difference the details for the shoes make in enhancing the outfit.

Which part of your outfit would you most focus on considering details? How can you style something differently detail-wise to enhance your outfit?

Vasquez, Lilliana. The Cheap Chica's Guide to Style. New York: Penguin Group, 2013. Print

Signature Style!

“Fashions fade, style is eternal” –Yves Saint Laurent

Style and dressing are ways of life. Style is significantly incorporated in our lives in every way playing a role in every possible occasion. It plays a crucial part in our lives because style is heavily influenced by our self-expression. Celebrities, political figures, royals and media incredibly influence the trends of fashion. Style is not always necessarily glamour, or following the current trends. In the book The Cheap Chica’s Guide to Style, America’s favorite frugal fashionista as well as the author Lilliana Vasquez states, a sense of style is not about a price tag; it is about you being confident enough to be you. The mindset that women have about spending a lot of money and wearing designer labels to be truly stylish can be contradicted even when you shop from common stores and still look completely on point fashion-wise.  

First thing to do would be developing or identifying your signature style and how you would want to dress mostly on a daily basis. Some different type of styles may include someone being a risk taker, minimalist, showstopper, “girl next door”, romantic, hippie chic (55-56). Risk takers are not scared to try out the latest trends. Minimalists wear clothes that are everlasting and elegant. Showstoppers wear clothes that are bold and clothes that attract attention. “Girls next door” like clothes in preppy colors and relaxed fits. Romantics prefer neutrals like blush, pink, beige and wear clothes with a soft, girly quality to them. Hippie chics dress extremely carefree dressing in dreamy and vivid clothes, having a hint of the 1970s (55-56). It is extremely important to develop your own personal style because clothes can form your impression and how people may perceive you as well. Vasquez states “Not only because it tells people about who you are without you having to say a word, but also because it will save you time and money (not to mention embarrassment) in the long run” (50), answering the question of why it is important to develop your own personal style.

A short quiz from the book helped me identify with my own personal style, which would be a mix of minimalist, risk taker, and a romantic. I have always enjoyed dressing up beginning from my childhood. I like trying out new things and putting together outfits to create a personal look. My clothes usually consist of delicate and pastel hues, some that may be considered to be “old-fashioned”, and some bold choices. My style changes quite a bit, and I dress different almost every day. One day might be poised and elegant revealing the romantic and minimalist side with the light gray hues of my shoes and lace shirt contrasted with a light green jacket, while the next may be casual and relaxed, while also the hues are dull with the white and gray shirt paired with comfortable shows revealing my minimalist style, once again.

Which type of style would you most identify with? What are some of your “must-haves” in relation to clothes?

Vasquez, Lilliana. The Cheap Chica's Guide to Style. New York: Penguin Group, 2013. Print.