Monday, November 26, 2012

Just Another Layer




As I look out the window of my dorm room, I can’t help but smile. You may think that I am smiling because there are attractive shirtless guys outside or my wish, like Emma Stone’s, of John Cusack standing outside my window finally came true. But no, although I wish those were true, I am smiling because snow is falling and the sun is barely shining. To this I must shout “Finally!” Now I don’t hate summer, but being as pale as I am, daisy dukes and tank tops don’t look that great on my white skin, even when I think I have a tan. Fall and winter are much more enjoyable for me because the clothes are so much cuter, and I can cover up a lot of my “almost translucent” complexion. I achieve this by layering, which is a great tool to use on a college campus when walking and biking are your only modes of transportation.  So here are tips on layering that keep you warm and looking adorable too.

Not only do I love sweaters on their own, but now layering them with collared shirts has become one of my new favorite looks. Actually, sweaters layered over anything is what I love right now. Whether you layer it over a dress or with a classic blazer, this look is a perfect way to look stylish while being warm. Layering sweaters can be tricky because layering the wrong pieces can make you look bulky, which is something you definitely want to avoid. If layering a dress and sweater, I advise using a dress with a thinner fabric. By doing this you can easily layer a cashmere sweater over top, or a cable knit sweater, without adding bulk. As I said earlier, I am loving sweaters with collared shirts. I would say that this look has become an instant classic for me. What is so great about it is that most collared shirts, such as button downs, are made out of thin fabrics like cotton, which makes it a great layering piece. Also, they come in so many different patterns, that it is hard not find at least one that becomes a “must have.” Now these are only a few ways to layer sweaters, so I am leaving it up to you to experiment and share your ideas.

To say that I love scarves is an understatement. Even as I am typing this post I am wearing my new scarf that I bought over the weekend. I am so dedicated to them that not even summer can stop me from throwing one on. I believe that everyone should own a scarf, whether you are a guy or girl. Scarves come in so many different fabrics and patterns, that you are bound to find at least one that you like. They are great to add a personal touch to outfits, and they keep your neck nice and toasty. By adding a bright printed or chunky knit scarf and a dark pair of tights, a summery looking dress easily becomes a great cold weather outfit. If you want a laid back layered outfit, a sweater and scarf is easy to throw together. On a day when it is quite chilly out, a scarf not only becomes a way to keep warm, but adds even more style to your outfit.

If you are feeling really daring, you could try multiple different layers, which can be easily done by combining ideas from above, and using ideas of you own. How about sometime this week you try throwing on a fur vest with a sweater? The sweater instantly becomes chic and you are a lot warmer.  Do you have a blazer that you are just not sure what to pair with? Layer it over a sweater or a dress, and your outfit becomes even better. A blazer is no longer just for the office, but is something that can be worn on any average day. If you need some inspiration, check out my clothing board on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/reelgirly/clothes/). There are great ideas on how to layer almost any piece of clothing. One final piece of advice is not to be afraid of layering different prints and colors. You will stand out on during the cloudy days and will look adorable.

I don’t think I have ever been so excited for the cold weather to come in, and I hope with my layering tips, you will be just as excited. Stay warm!

Fashionately,
Sarah

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Men's Fashion Through My Eyes

I received a message from a friend last week telling me that he was upset at the fact that I never talked about men’s fashion. While I am pretty sure he was joking, considering he asked me if running short shorts were still more popular than spandex for men, he did bring up a good point. Although it isn’t as important to me, men’s fashion is still something that I take notice to. I think a lot of the same rules apply to guys as they do to girls, but there are others that guys should never ever listen to.


When I think of men’s fashion, I immediately think of the boys from One Direction, which gives me a completely unrealistic view of what guys actually dress like.  A lot of guys that I have talked to say that the boys of One Direction dress “stupidly” or “strange”, yet girls I have talked to say that they are some of the best dressed guys they have ever seen. Although I wish that all guys dressed like One Direction, I know that is a lot to ask, so I will isolate just a few of my favorites from them. One of my favorite ways that they dress is how they wear sweaters, and wear them well. From cable knit to striped, there are many kinds of sweaters, so it should be easy to find one you like. Instead of a plain t-shirt every day, switching it up with a sweater or button down is to great ways to catch a women’s eye (mine included). Another great way to change up your style is to try pants other than jeans. Now I’m not saying wear orange jeans, but khaki jeans always look good. I hope guys will at least try these tips, and if they want to dress like One Direction completely, then I am all for it.

From what I have learned, a lot of guys do not put thought in what they wear on a day to day basis. I think there a few basics all guys need, that don't even require thought when getting dressed. A plaid shirt is one of my favorite things a guy can wear. It can easily be paired with jeans, and it is a classic piece. A pair of dark wash jeans always looks good, and personally I think they look better on guys than lighter wash jeans. Like I said earlier, sweaters are a great way to switch up your clothing for a day. And the last basic I think all guys should have are V-neck t-shirts. They can be worn with anything and they are such an easy piece to throw on. Who wouldn’t want that simplicity?

Now for the things guys should not wear. My number one thing that guys should not wear every day is sweatpants. I think they are a little more acceptable on guys than on girls, but that doesn’t mean I like them. The same goes for basketball shorts, which I like even less on a guy unless he is actually playing basketball/ When a man’s pants are too tight, I feel so uncomfortable. I am pretty sure that when guys wear skin tight pants they are not comfortable, and the same goes for all the people who have to see them. Nobody looks good with camel toe and I get creeped out even thinking about it. Skin tight t-shirts have the same rules applied.

Since I am a girl of fashion, I always find the guys dressed nicely more attractive. I wish all guys would wear blazers and bow ties, but I guess I will just have to save that for my dreams. I hope for the guys that actually read this, that you take some of my advice and put it to use. As for the girls, remember some of the tips, and spread them to all your guy friends.

Fashionately,
Sarah


PS. To guys who actually want to catch a fashion girl’s eye, try dressing like One Direction, Zac Efron, Andrew Garfield, Josh Bowman, or any J Crew model. Please?

Monday, November 5, 2012

Make It Work: Denim

From jeans to jackets, denim is a material that has been made to last, and I believe that is why it has become a staple not only in the fashion world, but in everyone’s day to day life as well. In addition to denim being made to last, I think it is a fabric that is made to get better over time, especially denim jeans.  Everyone has had a favorite pair of jeans that are worn until they are literally falling apart at the seams, myself included. One of the main reasons I love denim is because I can wear it multiple times without washing it, and even after wearing it for the fifth time, it still looks good. Just don’t wear it more than five or six times because after that it begins to look grungy (take note of that fellow college students).  Now more than ever, denim is making a huge showing in the fashion industry. Denim jackets are no longer considered dowdy, and denim on denim is now in style rather than being faux pas, as long as you do it properly. Now that you know why denim is so great, you have to know all the ways it can be worn. So below are a couple of my personal favorite denim inclusive outfits.


Classic blue jeans are one of the most important items in your wardrobe. When you find a pair with the perfect fit, they instantly become one of the most worn pieces in your closet. So before I get into how to wear your perfect jeans, I would like to explain what a perfect fit is and that it actually does exist. First off, a perfect fit makes you look better, not worse, which means: no muffin top, no butt crack, and that they actually zip and button without squeezing the life out of you. I’m sure a lot of you think that this so called pair of jeans does not exist, and I thought the same thing, but I no longer believe that. To find this perfect pair you are going to have to try many brands, sizes, and fits. You are most likely going to cry, I know I have many many times, but once you find them the tears are definitely worth it. Now that I have cleared that up, there are many ways to wear those perfect fit jeans.

One of my favorite outfits is denim on denim. The main trick to making this outfit look fab and not drab is pairing up denims in noticeably different shades. For example, if you plan on wearing a dark wash pair of jeans, pair them with a light wash denim top. As many of you know, t-shirts, sweaters, and dresses also look great with jeans, but I am going to leave that experimenting up to you. Otherwise, pictures would outnumber that amount of words in this post!

You may think denim tops are going to be uncomfortable, but to me they are just as comfortable as a plain white T, well almost. I consider denim a neutral base, which means any color and most patterns you can imagine are going to work well with it. One of the best ways to work color in with your denim top is colored pants, which is a simple outfit to pull together.



I have covered denim bottoms, denim tops, so now it is time for the denim jacket. I just recently got a denim jacket, and I now realize what I was missing. From dresses to plain t-shirts, I have found that it can truly make an outfit. I love wearing my jacket with dresses because it is a great way to dress down an outfit for day to day wear. It also can be worn similarly to a denim shirt, which means it goes great with colored pants. Just throw on a t-shirt and you are good to go.


Now to complete any denim look, you need some great accessories. You will find that most accessories work with denim. My personal favorites are scarfs and rings, as they are a great way to add personal flair. Just make sure you don’t forget about the shoes!
Courtesy of http://imgfave.com/view/2433976

After reading this you probably have a new love for denim and want to find a new way to wear it every day, but please do not take it as far as Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. I am begging you!


Fashionately,
Sarah