Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#14)

 

I agree with Rachel 100%. You're personal style says a lot about you.  Some ladies stick to a uniform and that works for them. I've tried the uniform route but on a day to day basis, I dress based on my mood. Some days I'm feeling all black. Other days I need bright colors. I lean more toward basics with a touch of rocker chick but I work in an office and have to dress appropriately. On most mornings I rise by 5am and there are days when the creative fashion bug does not strike and I opt for easy pieces, solid pants, a simple top and a statement jacket. Even if I'm wearing jeans and a t-shirt, I like to add a jacket and some jewelry. If I had to pick one thing that works for me, It's always a great jacket. I love the way it makes a simple outfit look pulled together.

All three of the ladies above are wearing distressed jeans. Just adding heels and a jacket ups the look by making it look less casual. Sometimes casual is perfect. I love my Chuck Taylors and hats. But if you're looking for a quick way to look more polished, a jacket is the ticket.

Rachel is a cool mix of rocker chick and California girl bohemian. She's never met a heel that was too high and doesn't believe in simple jewelry. She has a unique style that stands out. No matter what she wears, it makes a statement. Wallflower, she is not.

What does your personal style say about you?

photo credits: InStyle, VOGUE Mexico, Victoria Tornegren, Amber Sceats, Wireimage  

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#13)

This quote is perfect for my 13th Fashion and Style Quote. Thirteen is my lucky number and I've always admired Diane von Furstenberg. She is an amazing self-made woman, entrepreneur, fashion genius, innovator, business mogul, and supporter of women. I love that she believes that you don't need to be a bitch to be successful. Focusing on what you want to be is a good philosophy for life. Picturing what you want instead of what you have puts the emphasis on goals and the future. It is a worthwhile lesson to learn.

I've been loving Diane's new show House of DVF. I prefer the scenes with Diane and her staff or one on one moments with Diane and the girls, to scenes with the girls alone. Seeing a bit of the inner working of the DVF empire as well as Diane's personal side is fun. Her book is next on my reading list.


photo credits: rachelinflight.com / Hayman Island Resort

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#12) - Drinks and Lipstick

 There are days when only certain things will perk up my mood. Those are the days when I call my closest friends, who always make me laugh, long for the end of the day to see {msL} because she always makes me feel better, make a favorite cocktail and put on my favorite lipstick. For some people that last one seems silly or doesn't fit them.  For me it works every time. If I feel good about myself then that makes me happier. Bright lipstick works every time. It can make a simple outfit more polished. Great lipstick with a t-shirt somehow seems fancier. It's a simple tool in your arsenal.

I'm in love with all of the bright lipsticks out this year.  My latest obsession is the Maybelline ColorSensational Vivids collection. I love all of the colors and already own many of them.

This post on Beautezine has great swatches.

I even wore Hot Plum (far right in the photo above) on my wedding day (photo below).  It's a fantastic bright fuchsia shade.

A great way to jazz up your favorite sweatshirt and cargo jacket. I'm sure the necklaces didn't hurt either.

Now for the drink. On our wedding day we chose to serve beer (2 of our favorites), wine (red and white) and two signature cocktails. My personal favorite was the Lucky 13 (vodka cherry limeade). We also created a drink called the  Rock Star. It's a rum and passion fruit drink. The Lucky 13 was by far the most popular (reddish pink drink below).

 

Lucky 13 (vodka cherry limeade)

vodka
lime juice (fresh is best but bottled is good too for simplicity)
Monin cherry syrup (best I've found, don't use grenadine, it's not the same)
Sprite (or any lemon lime soda)
ice

Fill a rocks glass with ice.

Add 2 oz of vodka
Add two splashes of lime juice (about 1/4 oz, more if you like it tart)
Add 1/2 oz of cherry syrup
Fill the glass with Sprite and stir.

ENJOY!


It's a great summer time drink.  You can make some alterations to the recipe if you are calorie conscious. Use club soda or sugar free Sprite in place of regular Sprite.  There are also sugar free cherry syrups available but we chose Monin because it doesn't have a fake cherry flavor. You could also use cherry juice, like Ocean Spray or Old Orchard Very Cherrie. If you substitute juice you will need to alter the proportions.

If you have a down day anytime soon, try a little pick up. Grab your favorite drink and put on some fun lipstick.  Thanks Elizabeth.

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#11) - Jacket Love

"When my Azzedine jacket from 1987 died, I wrapped it up in a box, attached a note saying where it came from and took it to the Salvation Army. It was a big loss."

- Veronica Webb

 

 

Veronica Webb and Azzedine Alaia circa 80's

I'm sure that Veronica's love for the jacket was multi-faceted.  She was a model for Alaia in the 80s, so I'm sure the jacket had sentimental value as well as function. Sadly, I don't own an Alaia from the 80s but I have several jackets that I've owned for years and wear over and over.  A jacket can elevate a t-shirt and jeans to something fancy. It can give a basic outfit polish.  It can be a statement piece. In short, my love of jackets is endless. I've even done a jacket DIY post.  My love of jackets is definitely obvious.

 

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#10)

“You can never take too much care over the choice of your shoes. Too many women think that they are unimportant, but the real proof of an elegant woman is what is on her feet.”
—Christian Dior

 Oh shoes... I love them so.  My shoe obsession has been well documented here on RGR.  I purchase shoes in all price ranges but I firmly believe that shoes should be in good repair.  They need to look well cared for and not worn down.  Once they get to the worn point, they either need to be repaired or retired.  It's hard to let go of a favorite pair but if they don't look good it's time to let them go. Great shoes can be found in all price points. My biggest pet peeve is that some people think that basic rubber flip flops go with everything.  It takes just as much effort to slip on a flip flop as it does to slip on a pair of cute flats.  Don't get me wrong, I love flip flops at the beach in the summer time.  But there are some places that flip flops just aren't appropriate.  Like at the White House. 

There are too may great shoes and too many would love to have.  It was hard to narrow it down but here are a few of my favorites this season, from inexpensive to outrageous.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Pace First $69.99

Carlos by Carlos Santana Driskal Black Studded Bootie $99.95

Zara Pointed Court Shoe with Studs $49.90

J. Crew Viv Metallic Flats $188

Christian Louboutin Croisette Leopard Calf Fur Flat $795

Valentino Rockstud Strass Studded Slingback $1295

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#9)

I've always thought of the T-shirt as the Alpha and Omega of the fashion alphabet.

- Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani is known for his amazing dresses, gowns and beautifully tailored suits.  His personal daily uniform usually consists of black pants and a t-shirt.  I have to agree with Mr. Armani. I love all sorts of fashion but I adore a soft easy t-shirt.  It is a great base for a fantastic outfit.  There is always the choice of a basic v-neck or crew neck t-shirt (which are my favorites) or you can grab one with a little visual interest like runching or a peplum. I never pay more than $20 for a t-shirt, in fact most of my t-shirts cost less than $10.  I personally don't see the point in spending a ton for a basic shirt.  Many fashionistas sing the praises of  James Pearse.  His basic cotton t-shirts sell for about $65.  That's not practical for me.  Especially when I can get one at Old Navy for $5 or less, on sale.  Some of my go to t-shirts are from Old Navy.

My favorite t-shirt is made of Lyocell.  I got it at Target years ago.  They don't make that style any longer and I'm constantly on the hunt for one that is similar.  It's the perfect heather gray, it's soft, stretchy and has retained it's shape over the years and hasn't shrunk.  I don't have any other t-shirts in my wardrobe that have lasted so long.  It's amazing. Hopefully, I'll find a similar shirt sometime soon.

There are so many styles and fabric options available, there is a shirt for every style and budget.

The Perfect T-Shirt by Real Girl Runway

Peplum T-shirt, $17
Pure Body T | Gap, $17
Women's Fitted Scoop-Neck Tees | Old Navy, $9.50
Women's Vintage-Style V-Neck Tees | Old Navy, $8.50

A great t-shirt can show off your favorite jeans or dress down your fanciest skirt. You can wear one to the beach with shorts or to the office with a skirt.  T-shirts are truly one of my favorite wardrobe staples.

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#8)

"I think there is beauty in everything. What ‘normal’ people would perceive as ugly, I can usually see something of beauty in it." — Alexander McQueen

 

 

The world lost an amazing talent and visionary when Alexander McQueen took his own life on February 11, 2010.  His thinking that you can see beauty in things that many find ugly or strange is a great lesson.  I think beauty can be found in all sorts of places. I have long been in love with his Gothic style and use of skulls in his designs. I've been trying to recreate his knuckle clutch and I'm still working on it.
 

The coolest cuff links ever!

Feathers and more feathers, WOW!

The details in this ruffle dress are amazing.

You might recognize the peacock dress above from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Fleur Delacour wore it as her wedding dress when she married William Weasley.  I personally love this dress.  I think it would be an amazing wedding dress and I may have to take some cues from it when making my own.

Lest you think that McQueen only designs gowns and red carpet attire, here is a dress a Real Girl could wear to an event.  A Real Girl with a huge fashion budget, I might add.

 

The house of McQueen also created Kate Middleton's dress for the royal wedding. Sarah Burton from the house of McQueen and protege of Alexander was the designer. 

 

 

Do you love McQueen? 

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#7)

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” ~Coco Chanel

I think I've told you all that I am part of great local group called the Capital Fashion and Beauty Bloggers (CapFABB).  It's an amazing group of people who not only love fashion and beauty items but have diverse backgrounds, ideas, careers, and personalities.  I've met so many incredible people because of blogging.

The members of CapFABB constantly inspire me.  I thought I'd share just a few of their blogs with you. Be sure to click on the link to see the full list. They are full of amazing fashion, style and ideas.  This time I'm going to highlight some of the things I love about them that have nothing to do with fashion.  Be sure to check out their blogs and all they have to say.  I only picked four this time but never fear, I'll feature more in the future. 

Wardrobe Oxygen - Alison's love of music

My friend Alison is the reason I'm a member of CapFABB. Back in the day when they were a fledgling list serve, she invited me to join.  My how CapFABB has grown. Among the many reasons I think she's great, is her love of music. She highlights great bands, festivals, and turns me on to new music constantly. Her beautiful family is always part of her blog. She also gives her insight on being more green and earth friendly. Her smile and positive attitude are contagious.

Apollinas - Beautiful (and I'm sure yummy) cakes that Apollina makes

Apollina is a lawyer and in her spare time she bakes beautiful cakes.  Hopefully, one day I'll get to taste one.  Can't you see that one above in our wedding colors? She makes baking seem easy and her positive and fun attitude make her blog so enjoyable. She's also a fellow bride to be. I'm really enjoying tidbits on her wedding planning.

BiblioMOMia - Her love of poetry and literature

She's a Ph.D. candidate in Literature and her feature "Sunday Words" is one of my favorites.  She selects beautiful and special poetry.  She has great ideas and encouragement for Mom's everywhere. 

The Domestic Dandy - Jeffrey's beautiful decorating ideas

Lest you think that CapFABB members are only women, I thought I'd introduce you to Jeffrey, The Domestic Dandy.  He highlights creative and many times simple decorating projects.  I love his super easy candle bling project! His sense of humor always makes me giggle. 


Be sure to check out these fantastic blogs and bloggers.  I know you'll love them as much as I do!


photo credits (top to bottom): CapFABB, Wardrobe Oxygen, Apollinas, BiblioMOMia, The Domestic Dandy

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#6)

photo credit - piccsy and Madame Dedal

I stumbled upon this drawing and quotation on Pinterest.  I love it and had to share it with all of you. As much as I love fashion, I truly believe, it's not the clothes that make the woman, it's the woman that makes the clothes. Feeling good about yourself and who you are is more important that any outfit.

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#5)

"I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes."

- Yves Saint Laurent

 

Many years ago jeans were just for casual days and working around the house.  They are now part of many occasions and events.  They can be dressed up or down.  Nothing is a comforting or comfortable as a great pair of jeans. They are equally easy and chic. 

Great  street style

Love this denim look from Ashley of Ring My Bell

Kate Bosworth sporting denim and a tuxedo jacket

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#4)

Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess.
-Edna W. Chase

Jackets are one of my favorite clothing items.  I love some of my jackets so much that I hate to take them off when I go inside. These jackets are standouts and cool additions to any wardrobe.

If I happened upon this jacket in a thrift store, I would pass it by.  Her combination of the jacket, hat, sleek pants and spiked jewelry is fantastic.  The mix is what turns this jacket from something the Golden Girls wore to a fun topper.



photo credit - facehunter

  I LOVE this jacket. Such a fun twixt on a traditional tuxedo jacket. It makes the outfit!

photo creidt - facehunter

 How can you go wrong with studs and leather?

photo credit - glamcanyon

This has to be one of the coolest jacket/coats that I've ever seen. You can unzip the lower part of the coat and turn it into a jacket. Fantastic!!

photo credit - Scent of Obsession



Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#3)

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
― Coco Chanel

I love this quote by Coco Chanel because it sums up my fashion philosophy.  To me, classy means pulled together and stylish.  Fabulous is all about personal style.  Keeping those thoughts in mind, you can't go wrong.

Most photos of Coco Chanel show her in a tailored suit and hat. They are indicative of her style but the photo above is one of my favorites. She's in the country (with her dog), wearing tailored pants and the Breton striped top that she made famous and fashionable. It's an easy outfit that is polished, classy and fabulous. Just proving that you don't have to be dressed up to look amazing.