My Favorite Fall 2013 Trends - Punk

You know a trend is going to be hot when Chanel shows it on their runway. One of my favorite Fall 2013 trends is punk. Some are calling it grunge but in my opinion, when you add spikes, studs or saftey pins, it's punk. The key to a trend is making it work for you. Is a studded jacket out of your comfort zone? Try a studded clutch instead. A ripped safety pin t-shirt not you? Try ripped jeans. If the punk trend still isn't you, don't worry there are plenty of others to try.

Punk Chanel Style

There are lots of ways to wear the punk trend.  Shoes, jewelry, jackets, shirt, and even jeans. Here are just a few ways I would wear the punk trend.

Click on the photos for buying info.

One of my favorite things about this trend is the amazing DIY options.  Instead of buying a pair of distressed jeans, create your own from an old pair or buy a pair at the thrift store for distressing. This blog has a good tutorial. Turn an old t-shirt punk by adding a few cuts and some safety pins. For just a couple dollars you can have an on great t-shirt to wear with your favorite leather jacket. Want to add some studs or spikes?  You can buy them here or here and add some punk to a jacket, a collar or even a cell phone cover. Even create your own safety pin necklace. Looking undone or self-made is part of the toughness that is punk.

If you're lacking inspiration, check out these photos of 80's London street style and music icons Wendy O'Williams, Siouxsie Sioux and Sid Vicious, as well as fashion designer and icon Vivienne Westwood.

 

Even the Metropolitan Museum of Art celebrated punk's influence on fashion with an exhibit this summer titled Punk: Chaos to Couture.

Met Gala 2013 - The Good and Bad

The Met Gala is the annual anything goes gala.  It's a who's who of celebs that gives them a chance to wear avant-garde ensembles. This year the theme was Punk: Chaos to Couture.  Frankly I was surprised there weren't more outlandish outfits.  Here are just a few of the highlights, good and bad.

Blake Lively in Gucci Premiere

Giselle Bundchen in Anthony Vacarello

Jamie King in Top Shop

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

Katy Perry in Dolce & Gabbana

Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte

Madonna in Givenchy

Mary Kate Olsen in vintage Chanel

Sienna Miller in Burberry

Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon (dress) and Philip Tracey (hat)

Ashley Greene in Marchesa

Florence Welch in Givenchy

photo credits: Getty Images

Moment of Lust - Valentino Rockstud Ballerina Flats

Shoes are hands down my favorite accessory. They look great, always fit and you can change the feel of an outfit with the right pair of shoes.  Even Marilyn Monroe said, "Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world."  Since spotting the various versions of the Valentino Rockstud Ballerina flats, I've been in love.  These shoes fit my personal style to a T. They are tough but pretty. The perfect combination. At prices ranging from $595 to $1,595, they aren't in my budget. The Ballerina flats and the ankle strap flats are my favorites.

While doing some online window shopping this week, I spied these beauties at Forever 21.  They are almost a perfect duplicate for the Valentino flats and they are only $24.80!  They come in three basic color combos, black and tan with silver studs, nude and tan with gold studs, and pink and nude with gold studs. I wondered if they would look good in person. I snagged a pair on Saturday at my local Forever 21 store.  There were only 3 pairs left in the whole store and only one was in my size. I got the nude and tan with gold studs but I'm going to order the black and tan with silver.  They fit great and they'll go with lots of outfits. SCORE!

Here I am sporting the pair I snagged.

Inspiration - Embellished Collars

For some time, I've had an embellished collar shirt and a detachable collar on my DIY list.  I created this beauty and this one a while ago, they were simple cuts with no embellishment.  I still wear them often. I love all of the creative collars I've been seeing and I am dying to put my own twist on some collars of my own.

So many creative options and great ways to style this fun addition.  I can't wait to create a few for myself.  Studs, pearls, crystals, sequins, metallics, fur and even hardware, the possibilities are endless.  If DIY isn't your thing, you can grad a fun collar from your favorite online retailer.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Marni south sea pearl necklace / ASOS stud collar / ASOS sequin collar necklace / Karl Lagerfeld collar necklace / 3.1 Phillip Lim / Karl Lagerfeld / AKIRA Black Label Brown Faux Fur Collar in Leopard / AKIRA Detachable Collar in Black / Bugle Bead Diamond Shirt Collar / Faux Pony Leather Collar

It's so hard to pick a favorite but if I had to choose, I'd go for the studded collar from ASOS and the Faux Pony collar from Top Shop. 

I know I'll be making a few of these very soon. Stay tuned.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Fall Lust List

Today I'm taking a break from the fall trends to tell you what is on my list of wants.  Some of the items are trends and some are just things I love.  Not all of the items are frugal buys but I will tell you how I plan to get them for a bargain. Today I'm also linking up to Friday's Fancies on Long Distance Loving.

Click on the pictures above to see the details.

Navy Blazer - This classic item will take me everywhere.  I can dress it up or down and it will never go out of style.  I'll be hitting all of my favorite thrift stores and discount stores to hunt for a classic navy blazer.

Leather (Faux Leather) Skirt - A pleated leather skirt has been on my list for a couple of seasons.  Leather is a huge trend this fall.  Faux leather is affordable and if you choose a classic style like pleated or a pencil skirt you can keep it for years. I will be using a discount code to get a great deal on this skirt.

Colored Skinny Jeans - These Bordeaux colored skinny jeans are right on trend.  I scored these NYDJ at Nordstrom Rack for $60 earlier this week! The rich color is great for fall and a fun alternative to blue jeans.

Statement Necklace - I'm in love with the Pegasus Necklace from Stella & Dot.  The layered feathers are beautiful and an unexpected way to do a statement necklace.  I will be using some of my trunk show credits for this fantastic necklace.

Leopard Accented Bag -  Black and leopard combined with the school bag tote style of this bag is perfect for me.  I'll be able to stash all of my essentials and it will still look great.  Even better, this bag from Urban Outfitters is on sale right now!

Statement Cocktail Ring -  If you aren't in the mood to wear a ton of jewelry, a fantastic cocktail ring is the ticket.  There are so many things to love about the Stella & Dot Starstruck ring.  This one is definitely on my list of wants.  I'll be spending some of my trunk show credits on this ring.

Studded Ladylike Pumps - The studs on these ladylike pumps are unexpected. The shoes are very similar to the Valentino studded pumps but at only $100, I can actually afford them! 


Hope you have time to hit up some early fall sales this weekend.  I'm attending fashion even number three of the week, on Saturday.  I'll have recaps next week.  What is on your fall wish list? 

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Work Day to Date Night the Easy Way

Long commutes and a long work day, usually mean that if I have plans after work, I won't have time to go home and change. I like to create outfits that are work appropriate but also easy to transition to an evening out. I've managed to score us tickets to a movie screening of the upcoming release, Hit & Run with Kristen Bell and Bradley Cooper. It will be a fun date night and I want to look great. So too my closet I went. Most of the time all you need to transition from day to night is an evening bag, some amped up make-up and a little shift in your outfit.

I'm fortunate to work in a relaxed office where many styles of dress are accepted. I love my trouser jeans because the dark wash gives them a dress pants look. In many offices, jeans aren't acceptable on any day but Friday. If jeans don't fit at your office, you could go for a pair of trousers or ankle pants. I like the idea of pairing them with a sequin tank. I'll cover it with a draped, cropped, blazer for the office and take it off after work. I grabbed some of my favorite jewelry that works day or night and my new favorite leopard heels. A studded top handle bag is perfect for day but I'll switch to a smaller clutch for evening. The studs will toughen up the pretty sequin tank. I'll change my lipstick from a subtle nude for day to a deep fuchsia for night and I'll add a bit more dark eyeliner for a smokey look. Those simple changes will take me from office to evening. So easy!

Frugal Fashion Friday - My Spring Short List

I know I told you all that I'd be guest blogging on the DC Goodwill Fashionista today, well there was a bit of a mix up and I'll be guest blogging there next week.  Each season I create a list, a short one of items I really want to purchase.  The items may be a trend piece or a hole in my wardrobe. I keep the list in my phone. I can refer to it when I'm shopping and it helps me stay on track and reduces my impulse buying.  Also, if I know what I want, it's easy to keep an eye out at thrift stores and for online sales.  If you don't know what you need then it's hard to wade past all those wants and "Oh Those are Cute!".  I also include items like bras, undies and other foundations on the list, even though they aren't exciting. Here is my short list for spring 2012.  I've already snagged the pants, during my vacation this past week.

1) Yellow Blazer - I love the bright pop of color for work or play.
2) Wedge Sandals - I have a tan pair of sandal like, wedge, shoes (seen here) that I wore often last summer. I'd like another pair in a different style.
3) Studded and spiked bracelets - They toughen up a sweet summer look, especially pastels.
4) Bright pants - I wear black pants and jeans often.  A pair of brightly colored pants will brighten my wardrobe.  I found a pair almost this color last weekend at Goodwill!
5) Leopard heels - I have a pair of low leopard wedges. I'd love to find a comfy pair of heels that I can use to switch things up from my usual black.

What's on your short list?

Happy Friday Real Girls!

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Spiked Necklaces

A little while back I spied this pearl and spike necklace by Joomi Lim in Lucky magazine.  It is so cool, I couldn't stand it.  The contrast of the lady like pearls with the big spikes is fantastic!! At $178 it costs a bit more than my budget allows for a glass pearl necklace (even Swarovski).

Pure Expression Choker with Small Pearls and Short Spikes $178

I started hunting and found some amazing spike necklaces in all price ranges. There were so many styles including those with chains, pearls, crystals, in all metals and colors.

Martin & Ricci Gunmetal Plated Feist Necklace $105

Throw in some chains and pearls with the spikes and you have this necklace from Urban Outfitters.  I deconstructed combination of tough and pretty.

Pearl and Spike Choker from Urban Outfitters $19.99

 
I love the chainmaille and spike combination of this choker. It's Medieval looking and it's available on etsy for only $25!  There were lots of other amazing spike necklaces on etsy but this one is my hands down favorite. It's by Eternal Elf Creations.

Spike and Chainmaille Choker by Eternal Elf  Creations via etsy $25

The spike and crystal combination of this pendant is funky and cool. At only $12.80 it's a steal! It's from Forever 21's new Alex and Chloe collection.

Spiked Pendant Necklace from Forever 21 $12.80

I'm also thinking of just purchasing my own spike beads and doing a jewelry DIY.  Then I'll have a great necklace that will truly be one of a kind.

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Balmain (Studded and Punk)

I lived through the original punk revolution of the 80's.  I definitely wasn't a punk but I've always loved the fashion and the rebelliousness of the culture.  When I happened upon a fashion spread on Balmain in this month's W magazine, I was in awe. The magazine keeps calling me back to look at the clothes. Maybe it's because they are by no means practical for my daily life. I can't imagine walking into a government building dressed in that jacket or t-shirt. Especially the agency that I work with. It's the complete opposite of the punk ideal.

A few of my favorites from the collection...

Studded Leather Jacket with Strass - $12, 565

I would definitely need supermodel legs to wear this skirt.

Leather Studded Skirt with Paint

Destroyed T-Shirt with Pins

The beauty of dreaming and obsessing is that you can dream up a big bank account. 

Summer Breeze

Well not exactly Summer yet but a girl can dream. On Saturday, I took the opportunity of the sunshine and warmer weather to wear the maxi skirt that my Mom helped me make when she was visiting. Here it is, FINALLY!  We made another skirt and I'm sure I'll wear that one soon. I love this skirt for the flowy properties and the fact that it's silk but only cost $18 and some time.

I styled this outfit using some of the pieces from the Spring Picks list. The maxi, biker jacket, lady like bag and scarf (not bright but coordinating), made for an eclectic mix.


Biker Jacket (faux leather) - Target, Shirt - Old Navy, Skirt - DIY Self Made, Boots - Target,
Bag - Urban Outfitters, Scarf - gift, Belt - Torrid, Rings - Various (see below), Sunglasses - Chanel

Our friend Melissa came to visit this weekend!  It's always so good to see her. When she arrived on Friday, I was blown away by the cool trench she was wearing. It looked just like Chanel. So classic. Unfortunately, it's no longer available. We had a great weekend, catching up, talking, and we even did a little shopping.



Minus the Minx nails, I tried to recreate my Friday inspiration. I think I did a pretty good job using the rings that I have. It did make me want to search out another knuckle ring. I know asos has some others that I love. I'll put them on my list.

(clockwise from top right) Mosaic Ring - JewelMint, Engagement Ring - my Honey, Belt - Torrid,
Knuckle Ring - asos, Filigree Ring - ?

Inspiration - Tough Girl Chic

My love for tough touches to pretty outfits is no secret. In fact, next week I'll be posting an outfit photo showing you exactly what I mean.  I can't be accused of being a tease, because I will deliver. Teases, just dangle the bait and leave you hanging. I, my friends, am no tease but you'll have to wait a few days.

I found these great pictures the other day and they just further fueled my desire for more studs and hardware.

In this one you can also see her awesome Minx nails in silver.  Minx nails are only done at a salon and are very pricey (about $40) but there are several companies that have made them easy to do at home. Sally Hansen, Incoco, and Sephora all make versions you can purchase at stores in your area. They range in price from $7.99 to $15.00 and last about a week. I've tried the Incoco and Sephora versions and found them easy to use. It's like putting a sticker on your nail. They come off easily with polish remover.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

I hope that gave you some weekend dressing inspiration.

photo credits: STREETFSN

Get Your Punk On!

I'm inspired by 80's punk styles. My inspirations...

Being a child of the 80's, I've worn all of these trends once before. I just can't help myself, I still love them. It's possible to wear trends a second time, if you reinterpret them for today.

Forever 21 $5.80

Stack bracelets just like the original Material Girl.  Instead of pairing them with a bustier, try jazzing up a t-shirt and jeans or your work clothes.



Worthington at JC Penney $32.99

Forget Dynasty. Pick a strong shoulder jacket that you can pair with a pencil skirt or jeans. Belt it for a more modern look.

Punk.com $18

Pair a studded belt with a tunic or offset the femininity of a floral dress with a little toughness.

Wilsons Leather Cycle Jacket $90

Leather jackets (or faux leather) are becoming a wardrobe classic.  You can wear it with basic pants or toughen up a pretty dress. You can even use it as a layering piece.

Mary Kay Black eye liner $10

What's punk without some black eye liner? Instead of piling it on like Joan Jett, use it as the base of your smokey eye.  Smudge it for effect. This Mary Kay version is waterproof and smudge proof, which is important for long wear.

With a little thought you can take the fun elements of punk and make them work for you.  A studded bracelet or a belt can give contrast to girly pieces. Try an inexpensive accessory before you take the plunge and purchase a leather jacket with lots of zippers. If you've made your own DIY chain jacket that I posted a couple weeks ago, it will fit right in!

Moment of Lust: Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag - Leopard

I love this bag for so many reasons.  The leopard is bold. The studded bottom is tough. The bucket style is casual. The dual handles make it versatile.

The price tag on the bag (if you can even get one) is $950!  That is way out of my price range. I went in search of alternatives.

The most similar bag I found was from a web site called Yes Style. This bag is $48!  I've never ordered from this site before so I can't attest to the service or quality. It is an international site. I will check out other shopper reviews before I place an order.

This bag is by Nine West. It isn't a bucket bag but even though it's listed as a satchel, the lines are a bit slouchy, like a bucket. It's not studded but it has the dual handles and it's leopard. It is available at Macys.com for $65.

For only $12.50, you can get this leopard print canvas cross body bag! It's available at Old Navy.

Tighten Your Belt

We all need to tighten our belts this season, economically and fashionably. Thanks to the influence of designers and my favorite summer movie, "Sex and the City", belts are back in a big way. If you are like me, you still have belts in the back or your closet or in a drawer that you've saved from years past. If you don't, there are lots of economical choices available.

Using a belt (an inexpensive accessory), you can change the look of an outfit. You can give it polish, give it edge, and bring in some color. Choose thin, wide, studded, feminine, corseted, anything you like.

Costume designer Patricia Field used a single belt in three different looks during the movie. She used a studded belt she designed to spice up a floral dress and a sexy secretary look. She gave traditionally demure looks an edge. She also used the same belt over a coat to define SJP's waist and add some interest to an all black ensemble.

Sex and the City: The Movie

The belt Patricia used in the movie is available on her website for $120. It's a great belt but I set out to find some less expensive options. Hot Topic is selling a similar version for $19.00. If the silver studs are a little too punk for your style. Target has a more subtle option with black studs for $11.69.

If you are waist challenged and need to add some curves, a belt is a quick a simple solution. Diane von Furstenberg used belts throughout her Fall 2008 show. She used belts with jackets, in a layered look and belts with dresses to enhance a simple silhouette.

Diane von Furstenberg, Fall 2008

You can execute this look in a similar fashion by using a thin belt over a blazer and leaving it slightly open. It would work well for the office. Diane von Furstenberg showed another great day look using a dress and combining that with the glove trend.

Diane von Furstenberg, Fall 2008

Just go to the accessories section of your favorite store and select a couple of options. If you are planning to use them over a coat be sure to go up a few inches to allow for volume. Whatever you like or consider your personal style, the belt trend is a fun and inexpensive way to update your fall wardrobe.

photo credits: Sex and the City: the movie and nymag.com