Which Girl Are You? Find out your true fashion style and express it strongly

Yay! This is my THIRD blog entry--I'll stop counting my blog entries once I reach my tenth! But for right now, every entry that I make is totally monumental because it brings me a step closer to my revamped life goals! Please enjoy and feel free to post comments and contact me personally!

Who Are YOU?
Ever heard the saying that the clothes make the "man" ( it makes a woman too , but I dunno why they always say man) ? Well it's actually a good way for people to figure out who you are and what you are all about. You're always being judged and assessed by what you wear---its great if you dont care about what other people think, but what you really have to ask yourself is if you are saying what you want to say about yourself with your wardrobe.

Every girl has a style, some more structured and specific than others, but still a style none the less. I consider myself to be the ultimate example of the girl caught in between two very  specific different worlds--I can be elegantly chic yet very urban and edgy at the same time. It's a total contradiction in theory, but I try to make it combine very well. I call my issue the Audrey-Marilyn affair.  Like      Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, I want to be so elegant yet playful and sexy yet sophisticated all at the same time. 

No wonder my style is usually overly dramatic--cause it resembles two of hollywoods' most outspoken, intense and visually stunning starlets! This is a difficult affair to work through, but it can be done.  It really takes a lot of work to be in both worlds--which leads to me having to choose one look more so over the other--which is difficult. For example, I have this wonderfully playful polka-dotted print umbrella that i brought a polka-dotted print skirt for just to match it--and I was struggling with which top to wear with it. I was in a breezy, urban effortless mood but I was entering a scene that would be very high fashion and chic. 

So I had to make a compromise--I allowed my Marilyn edginess to come through with my loud, large and cute red flower earrings( totally 1960s inspired design btw!!!)  and red flower shoes of the same shade of red. My top was my audrey---it was a mustard yellow shell , no embellishments, nothing fancy, just very plain and well fitted. To make sure that my red was not over looked and chic was totally present; I finished off my look with  bright, bright retro red lips.And this look, with the wild hair, really worked. I gave off both the urban chilled look together with the sense of high fashion. 

This blog is dedicated to those who share my pain and are struggling to find their fashion style and express it as strongly as possible. I know what my style is, but what is yours?  Since being a hybrid is hard, for beginners in the style world, let's just stick to one genre and work from there. If you truly have a fashion hybrid issue, then inbox me and I will privately get back to you and explain to you step by step--based on the contents in your closet and your spending budget--how to grasp both worlds successfully.

Since in my second blog entry I addressed the styles of chic and urban girls--the most popular  fashion styles in new york city and LA alone--I will take out the time to address the other styles. Now these days I see goth, preppy and hipster  fashion styles and sometimes it's just a total miss. Also, I see shabbos girls ( girls who dress like its shabbat everyday) who want to put forth an effortless or/yet dignified look but it fails majorly as it often appears to be lazy, frumpy and tacky. There is a solution for these combinations, thank goodness.  And I'm gonna tell you guys alllll about it. Welcome to the Goth, Preppy,Shabbos Girls and Hipster Edition of fashion styling.

To the Goths: 

You're different. You wear black alot . But you have identification issues now--because the goth look can easily be mistaken for the EMO look. Some  goth people overcompensate to make the difference obvious with multiple piercings and tattoos--but then again--EMOs rely on the same things too! So what is goth exactly? Its a heavy rock metal musical genre that became adapted into a type of fashion genre. 

But oh no --EMO has similar origins !! EMO--emotional music--Fall Out Boy and Simple Plan (who I totally love!) for example--gave birth to the "EMO" fashion movement. EMO, I believe, doesn't really exist even though people go to stores that proudly claim to make "EMO" clothing. When u break it down, all that EMO is  about are boys who are extremely emotional who dress more feminine and wear their hair and/or mascara to break down the false ideas of what it means to be a man--while girls take on a more "masculine" role in society--and are more tomboyish,  are more detached emotionally and they underplay their own femininity. 

But hello---Goth DOESN'T do that. Goth doesn't attempt to change society's' views of what it means to be a man or a woman--goth men and women are practically equal when it comes to the clothing that they wear , make up that they use and hair gel/colors/styles. Goth isn't a political movement, its just a state of being that is practically equal between the sexes--yet the sexes are still clearly defined.  Goth also occasionally beautifully blends different time lines with today--such as the Victorian Era. Goth overall actually puts a great deal of thought into what their clothing says about them and how their style, in some cases , can be eternal .  See, I see being goth as being a creative individual who dabbles in art. It may be dark art, but it is still art, and if you truly have an open mind, you can see its beauty. 

So as long as you stay true to this path goths, you will NEVER be confused for the "EMOS" out there. Ur not into all that socialism blabber, you are into your music and your way of life. You're not a passing fad like EMO is--you will be here forever and ever. So stick to what you know and don't over do it---and your true Gothness will be seen and recognized. So chill out. We hear you. We see you. Just be you.  BTW--leather , spikes and dark-colored make up are TOTALLY your friends. But of course, you well skilled goth people know this already. Use them wisely. ( The funny thing is that goths are so sure of themselves that only the unsure ones would be reading something like this in the first place, lol. They have a very concrete vision!)

To the Preppy:

Banana  Republic brings us a white collared/cuff shirt that blends beautifully with this button down pale pink colored shirt 

OK preppy peeps--you are into that whole private school, fresh collared , mass -assmiliated look. Ugh. I can't stand it. But it's your fashion style so I will tell you how to capture it. First off , most of you do the preppy look in a very stale way. But there are ways to liven up your preppy look and to look serious at the same time. There is a one stop shop with great collared shirts in the BEST colors of spring, fall , summer and winter all combined--the Banana Republic! The cuts of these shirts are so amazingly flattering on your body that you easily add a touch of sexy to your school-based look. Also, the colors of the shirts versus the DIFFERENT COLORED COLLARS on them is absolutely AMAZING and allows you to play mix and match with different colored pencil skirts.

Banana Republic combines this  wonderfully colorful sateen shirt with an amazing animal print pencil skirt--this is a great preppy look to nail! It says business but youthful at the same time

Speaking of pencil skirts--preppy girls, pencil skirts will always be your BEST friends. Always. But don't limit yourself just to black and navy blue--like so many of you girls do(oooh!! that rhymed!!). Take up forest green or lime green skirts--match it up with a bright, light salmon colored shirt with a nice white collar--wallla--u look AMAZING. You will stand out with your EXCELLENT choice in colors and you will get many begrudging eyes--and you did it all dressed oh SO modest and super fresh.                          

Wow! Look at this amazing gray and white rose printed pencil skirt from banana republic!  The combination  possiblities with this skirt are endless!

Killer! You guys play with your colors and keep your hour glass figure look going and you guys will look killer!

Blazers and Jackets are in --but take a chance with your jackets--get three quarter sleeved ones or  a half jacket that gives your waist a little attention. But by no means--and I mean this--must u EVER use SHOULDER PADS!! Omg they are so HIDEOUS!!  Why they were allowed to exist for so long in the 1980s I will NEVER understand! 

This is an example from Banana Republic of a subtle shoulder pad --if you  truly must have shoulder pads, this is the best way to go. The Subtle way.

 But a blazer/jacket with a slightly arched shoulder area is ok--as long as its not padded!  If possible remove the shoulder pads from them or if the shoulder pad is barely visible you just might get away with it. We are stylish women not football players! Dont repeat one of the WORST mistakes of 1980s fashion--just say NO to shoulder pads preppies! 

          Also, pants are becoming more and more popular when it comes to the look. So gals, what you need to do is know your measurements and get flattering looks. Fitted slacks in office colors or --if you're daring--slightly muted bright colors--will give u a great look. The pants should be made of a fabric that moves beautifully when you walk through the office or when you're running down the street--and they should be slightly flared near your ankles. Ahhh, beautiful, metsuyan!! You have totally nailed your look.  Banana Republic carries these pants, tops and skirts that you will need to create your expensive, polished preppy look. It's amazing really so check them out if you haven't yet. They aren't the cheapest places out there like say, Pretty Girl with their $5 skirts--but they defintely are reasonably priced and their products are made of excellent quality.

Also some of you preppies love to bury yourselves in sweaters--well for the fall well-fitted sweaters and boyfriend sweaters will be totally in---and knits are soooo will be in too . Since you are preppy you should go with the well fitted sweaters as the boy friend sweater look is much more urban wear. 

To The Shabbos Girls: Too Frumpy VS. Too Fancy

Oy vey. You guys really have trouble with seperating your old habits of wearing a uniform with wearing real clothes once you get to college or seminary or both. For example wearing a floor sweeping long plain black skirt or long black pleated skirt with a plain ( usually black) top is modest...yet nine times outta ten you guys manage to make modest look incredibly BORING. Not only that, it doesn't look like you take yourself seriously or have any pride in how you dress= frumpiness or fanciness.

But most shabbos girls, although they do very much plan to get married very soon, don't want to look frumpy. They want to throw on something that takes them the least amount of time possible so they can make it  out to their classes at touro  or go out to eat sushi with a group of girls in a timely fashion. Then there are the shabbos girls who dress TOO fancy , even though it sometimes comes off as frumpy or tacky.*sigh. All Shabbos girls aren't frumpy or tacky at heart , I totally get them. So here's how you guys can get the look that you want without all the extra nonsense:

For Frumpy Shabbos girls:

From Junees--Add a little splash of patterns to the typical modest length skirt

You can wear the long black pleated skirts--just make sure your top is in a nice contrasting color( aka not black unless its WELL fitted and very in) and is well fitted (not in an extremely skin tight way for the super tzniut type) and is in a very "now" style cut.  

For example , a lot of religiously-themed clothing shops such as   Junees 

Comes in the lovely fall colors of mustard yellow and gray at Junees!

  is dedicated to pumping out the latest fashion with modest interpretations. That is you can get an "up-down" shirt which ISN'T see through and has long sleeves and comes in either a great fall color or in a great fall pattern. They also sale shells (tops)that compliment any outfit you have if you have a good eye for color--but whatever you do, don't combine orange with pink. Nope. Don't. And try to get outta your safety zone of "black only" wardrobes.  Also, make sure that your shoes speak to your top and skirt choice--they aren't meaningless things that you just throw on--they have the power to make or break your outfit. You have a pink striped polo ? Wear a pair of pink striped polo shoes in the same exact shade. Pair it with a nice white skirt or light pink skirt of the same shade--you just nailed that look. You will get tons of compliments.  Work it.

If ur wondering--hellz YEA I'm getting these babies! Pure genius these shoes! 

Colors are your FRIEND--and their compatibility with you varies depending on your skin tones. If you are very fair , and freckly, use colors that will make your skin look amazing and pop, etc. Exagerate your features beause they are what make you you.  Also, shabbos girls--please DUMP your Bais Yaakov shoes. You KNOW what I'm talking about. Stop it please. They are hideous. Every time I see one of you guys get excited when you buy a NEW pair of them I'm just in utter shock. No. Go for ballet shoes. Go for colorful flats. Go for heels. Go for ANYTHING but those gosh darn ugly bais yaakov shoes.  It will give you the look you are going for--modest, carefree yet not a total fashion disaster. 

For Fancy Shabbos Girls:

Omigosh shabbos girls!! Look at this Junees top that is so sophisticated and modest and colorful! 

Usually, in comparison to the frumpy ones, fancy shabbos girls pick out their outfits well. However, there are some that don't and I see them all the time. So this is for you girls who are struggling with what to do and how to do it.

Pretty much all the same rules apply to you--except one extra thing--TONE IT DOWN. Walking around wearing a bedazzled ill fitted sweater-top or a  huge jeweled or peacock feather headband ( when peacock feathers and big jeweled headbands went out close  to TWO years ago) doesn't make you look "in"--it just makes you look horribly dated and in need of an exorcist. Save those dated looks for weddings, lchaims, vorts , bar/bat mitzvah, brit millot and upsherins-- that's the only place they belong--sort of. You want to look fancy? Look at what is IN--and put your own modest twist on it.  Don't be afraid of colors, of patterns--they can be your friends . If they come sleeveless or short--put on a top underneath the sleeveless and put on a skirt underneath the shortness! You can make ANYTHING that is new and now into a modest look if you know how to layer well.  And fyi--this applies to you as it does to the preppies--avoid shoulder pads please! So not flattering on any woman's body!

Oh the HORROR!!!

Also-- you fancy shabbos girls love to accesorize--some do it well while some OVERaccessorize.  You want to wear the newest accessories? Do so one at a time. One necklace, no headband. The newest earrings. no necklace .  If you're wearing a huge, long necklace--don't wear that big, chunky belt. The newest bracelets, no rings. Little is much , and you can nail that fancy and sophisticated look you want without going in the opposite direction.  Trust me on this-- I used to be an overaccesorizer long ago so I have personal experience with overcoming this grave error and slight addiction.  

A prime example of adding some modest yet amazing colored skirts to your wardrobe!
Also comes in turquoise , lime  green, and if you really must, black. 

Skirts--pencil skirts, full skirt, knee length skirts--fancy shabbos girls "in the know" use these and love these. To those in the know--these are the BEST things you could ever add to a wardrobe. If you love black pencil skirts---get bright coral, yellow, turquoise, orange tops--or patterns checkerboard, stripes, polka dots--to spicen up your modest length skirts. Don't be afraid to get oversized tops too--because bigger is very in now, lucky for you! You can be both modest and in at the same time!  Also, take a walk on the wild side--oooooo--and get pencil, pleated or slinky skirts in bright colors! Whoo! Turn your wardrobe upside down! I know that red/coral is a problem cause of the attachments that are made to promiscuity. So if you're the type who believe in this and want to avoid all of those implications: just strike coral and red off your list of wearable colors. But orange is fine, it's soooo NOT red. And it's the new red too so yay for u ^_^.

Yes, all types of shabbos girls, you can break out of your shell and routine and reach the heights that you need to reach. Leave the stained chulent skirts at home and take it to another level.  You can even be a Hot Chani if you want to be. Be in, be super classy and super modest.  You go girls!

To the Hipsters:

Hipsters:  Your style shouldn't be a complete 100% copy of this outfit. At all.

Hello Hipsters. I have one thing to say to you: STOP TRYING SO HARD!! You gals are all about vintage looks. But some of you take it waaaaay too far.  For example, the classic oxford lace-up shoes (in flat or heel form) with the sexy librarian 1950s glasses and tightly curved 1950s hair style combined with a collared typical plain 1950s dress is called TRYING TOO HARD. You gals have respect for the arts and the past and you want to pay homage to them. You don't have to literally copy a picture of  a model from the 1950s fashion magazine.  Just like I told the shabbos girls, little is much.

Gwen Stefani is a PERFECT example of what a  1950s vintage inspired hipster should look like--she's always rocking that hipster look with the hair and the choice of clothing--but she also has the ability to bring the1950s into the NOW. Watch her--she is unique , vintage yet fresh and very in at the same time. Always. 

Being a hipster isnt about being a copy cat robot of a person--its about being unique while paying homage to vintageness. So if your style at all reflects what I just mentioned, then you need to tone it down and freshen it up. Wear those shoes and the dress and a bright red lip--but leave the 50s hair and glasses at home. Modernize your vintage look so that you OWN it and it is truly yours and therefore truly unique. Please stop making the mistakes that so many hipsters have been seen to make to the point that the idea of being a "hipster" is something that is looked down upon and made a mockery of. Modernize your look and tone it down--put the "hip" back into hipster. Show your uniqueness through creativity. There's nothing creative at all about walking around like a cut out from a 1950s magazine.  Go the extra length to make that look yours.

Conclusion

This is the part where I make my offer to all who read this and truly want a little guidance--I will freely give my services to you to revamp your wardrobe. I guarantee you that I can turn any "drab" wardrobe into a "wow" wardrobe. Not only that, I can make the outfits you wore in the spring and summer totally wearable for the winter so you don't even have to buy any new clothes(even though buying new clothes is always super fun) ! This is a one time offer--so be sure to take me up on it! I will help save you mullah and also help you achieve the look that you've always wanted in a much more structured way.

And once again as I mentioned in my intro--if you have two or more competing fashion styles going on in your wardrobe--I can help you combine them or sort them out in a very fashion-forward and very defined way. And you would totally look awesome. Trust me. I love this stuff . Message me privately for more details ^_^

Anyways ttyl! Get some sugar and spice in ur life!! ^_^