Fall -Winter 2012 Trends : Are these Trends Worth Raving About?

Hi all, it's me again!  Fall 2012 has brought out some new trends that I haven't really brought attention to in any of my previous blogs. I personally feel that some of these trends are too generic and highschool.  So what are these trends that have been very present in fall 2012 wear? Skulls prints, the Cross prints and the Green "feminized" army jacket .

As with all my posts, I say what I do because I really care for you gals and I want you all to look your best. Your opinions may differ from mine in the end, but it's always great to have a second opinion to make sure that you're taking your fashion style in the direction you truly want it to go in. First I will be talking on the trending of skulls and what it means for the average shopper and female fashionista.

Skulls, Skulls To and Through!

The typical skull top look being propped up in stores. 

YAWN!

Skulls R Everywhere!

When I look at these particular Fall 2012 trends, I feel like its something that is just so expected, so ordinary--even though the irony is people wear this design to look " different"  . But nevertheless, it is a fashion trend that first peeked its head out in the spring, and now it has spread into a legitimate fashion trend. The skulls and crosses patterns have been sprayed across sweaters, jackets, tops, leggings, hats--you name it, its covered in skulls. It's just become a general expected staple in stores like H&M, Forever 21, Strawberrys, Necessary Clothing, etc.  The irony is that most people wear the skull-look because they believe it's different and interesting, and they want to look different and interesting too. But if everyone is wearing it in a very standard way, how can a person truly stand out as a different, unique individual?

   Well here's what you gals can do if you want to be memorable and still sport the skulls on your clothes:  take a new, fresh approach on how you wear this pattern. Wear a fitted short dress featuring colored skulls--wear a couture dress featuring mini skulls in a beautiful display with a wonderful cascading mermaid tail -- wear a shirt that is skillfully cut out with the design of a the skull itself on the back-- take a chance! 

Such an original and creative design!

Do something new and original with skulls. Don't be generic, be different. You can do it, I know you can!


The Trouble With Crosses

                              An example of the typical tops  being sold 

                          in most trendy stores. It was slightly cool at first, 

                          but now it's not so much anymore. 

                          It lacks that surprising wow factor now.

Crosses---what's the downside? Well, sure its  a pretty design and all. It's an appealing design, so structural, it really pulls you in. It adds that little bit of skilled beauty. But in all honesty , you can't, you just CAN'T make such a well-known, deeply religious significant  symbol into a fashion trend. It's not right or fair to people who don't follow the religion . It's extremely limiting its audience. Pushing it onto so many people really  just isn't the right way to go. Also, there are some people who actually are Christian but who don't want to shout it out to the world either. This trend is seriously the most problematic one out there.

Well this is clearly a British flag. It's a twist on the typical print with a tiger embossed with the cross symbol. Sure, this can be worn by practically everyone without any real religious implications.

Now I know what some of you are thinking--well what if the cross is used to mean something else? What  if it's for the Red Cross Organization? What about the whole British " Stay Calm and Carry On" trend that's been around? Ok, ok, I hear you. So let me go with the British flag example. The background of the British flag famously has a cross on it. Forgetting that the cross was and still is of religious significance to Britain--yes, let's say  the crosses could represent that. Well that is different, and something like that is clearly understood. It's a deeper message being sent to the world--or maybe you could be a person expressing your love for the group One Direction ! Either way, it's different. But just a flat out cross isn't doing that. It just isn't. For a while I was hoping it would fade away, but alas, it has totally not.

Uh-oh...so the accessories are crosses also? 

 Currently the cross print has evolved past being featured on tops and now they have spread to jackets, headbands and NOW--jewelery.
Uhoh.  It keeps going from bad to worse--especially when it comes to the necklaces , earrings, bracelets and rings....omg.  The way that trends go, the jewelery is usually marketed to match--but with a religious trend.. you end up finding yourself wearing ...well...crosses. So...seriously guys --come on !

Let's drop this trend already.  There's more downsides than upsides. Choose another symbol to emulate and circulate through the clothing trending world. Please.

The Feminized Army Jacket

I don't get it. I honestly don't. It's rare to find this jacket in a flattering cut. Also the sleeves are too poofy and the body isn't bulky enough to be that adorable borrowed-boyfriend coat. The color doesn't demand attention. It looks best when you're wearing, well, nothing but itself and a pair of aviators. Other than that, it really does nothing for me--and from people I've seen sporting it--it does nothing for them as well. I don't hate it or love it, I just don't get it.  I feel as if the feminized green army coat is a concept that hasn't been fully executed.  It doesn't scream fashion-forward to me, it just screams "Hey. I'm a coat. Put me on. It's cold outside". Yup.  That's all. But if this coat is your style, then by all means pick it up.

Conclusion:  Keeping it short and sweet, these three fashion trends are still here in the winter, and will be sticking around into next spring too. By then you will really need a new approach on how you will be wearing them. So shake it up and think outside of the box. Make these designs relevant again. Also- make sure that you maintain the delicate balance between the 1960s style and the 1980s style--you want to lean more towards the 1960s style. Don't bring back the 1980s--I know its hard not to in the age of printed-pattern clothing galore and bright yellow pumps--but you must not take it there. Keep it current and stylish all the way. 

Stay tuned for my next blog entry series: The Dirt on the Trendiest Shops in the City. I will be discussing clothing styles, arrangements, displays, prices, taste, and most importantly of all--customer service.  I won't be holding back any punches, even with shops that I like to shop in.  Well bye for now until then! And as always--get some SugarandSpice in your life ! ^_^

How to Look Your Best and Not Under Durrest ! The Plus Size Edition

Hey guys--I promised to make a blog that tells you how to stay current, how to get it all for less and how to really look amazing! In this blog I'm gonna focus more on the "looking amazing" part, because I think it's time to talk about this. This blog is all about how to dress well as a plus-size woman. 

It's an issue that most magazines skip past or barely mention.  Also so-called "fashion forward" plus size stores claim to have your best interests at heart , but they really can make you look awful. Some of these places claim that you can wear what that skinny toothpick girl is also wearing because they made it bigger. Women go into these stores and buy that size 18 spaghetti dress, walking away with  the false confidence that they can offically be just like that skinny toothpick. But its not right or fair. It's literally straight up false advertising. 

 I actually spent some time going through some of these plus sizes stores/sections seeing exactly what they were pushing to their customers. In some places I liked what I saw, but it was very common to come across something that most plus-size women should never ever wear. So I've decided to write a little bit about what you gals should and shouldn't be seen in.

Patterns, colors, cuts, sizes, pleats--I'm gonna talk about all of this and more! Why? Because it must be addressed. And I'm saying it cause I love you all and truly want the best for you!! 

The one retail store that you can rely on to constantly reproduce the current trends in a wearable way is Lane Bryant--remember that--Lane Bryant! Just in case you forget, I will mention this store's name over and over again until you get that this is so the it store to be!

Sensitive Issue Time: How to keep it Going Strong in Plus Sizes

Omg. Don't kill me, don't hate me, please.  Just listen. 

I have to talk about this because it's something that is a very sensitive issue for people that fall into this size category. I am the size that I am. But I have many friends that range in very different dress sizes and it doesn't phase me a bit. I love it. But everyone knows that "plus-size" is the new norm in America.  It's just a fact. So rather than making people feel bad that they have a certain dress size, instead, we should embrace them and make them feel special. A size is just a size, it doesn't reflect what kind of soul it is that you have inside. Some people can be horribly mean and be as skinny as a runway model--their size doesn't make them beautiful at all.

So take this in as I go over this part--big is beautiful because it is you. If you have health issues, however, and losing weight will make it go away then by all means you must go and seek health advice, get a healthy diet and really push yourself to get to where you need to be. You can't enjoy life if you expire because you were unable to maintain a healthy diet and liftestyle. Lose the weight to extend your life span.  Lose the weight if you feel you need to and not because someone else has bullied you into doing so. 

Don't Let Their Opinions Control You! You are Better than They Are!

You should all be aware that October is National Anti-Bullying month. Many people fall prey to the horrid acts of insensitive people. But you should never let the words of insensitive people hurt you. If you want to or need to change, don't let the petty people around you make that decision for you.  I've found that when it comes to making drastic changes with yourself, you only do it if you truly need to and want to ---not because your douche bag boyfriend or bitchy frenemies tell you to. If you don't truly want or need to change you, then you can not. 

Phew. Now that we have gotten all of that out of the way, it's time to tell you how to feel comfortable and look fabulous in your own skin.


Stripes and Black are slimming? Well It All Depends

I'm sorry, but this poor woman actually has a nice well rounded body--but in this pix she looks like a stripped , huge round beach ball . Doesn't do her body justice!

Everyone has heard that black is sliming and that stripes are too; but here's what you don't know--it all depends on the size, cut and color balance of these two looks. Let's deal firstly with the stripes issue. In more sophisticated terms, the width of stripes and their vertical/horizontal orientation determines how slim they make you look.

The Science of Stripes:  The Width Determines the Fit

The width of the black stripe is bigger than the yellow stripe. The yellow will accentuate the parts that you want to, while the black will slim out the other parts you don't want accentuated. 

Some people don't realize that the width of stripes featured on your clothing determines how slimming that dress will look. For example, stripes are only slimming on you if the thin line is the light color, and the dark color is the bigger, bolder stripe. Or if both stripes themselves are teeny weeny ones then it can have that desired slimming effect. If both of them are big and bold, however, then the orientation of the line will be the last factor in making the garment look slim. In other words, the width of the lines determines how slimming it looks. 

Vertical vs. Horizontal

These vertical lines are perfect in color and width and compliment any body type.

The type of lines that make up these strips effects how slim it is that you look, aka horizontal versus vertical lines. I believe that horizontal lines are for people who aren't so curvaceous or for people who desire to call more attention to their curviness. I believe that vertical lines downplay your curviness. So you can mix and match these two depending on what image you're going for. 

Horizontal lines that would look great on most body types. 

 Often times many women, size 0-20+, don't understand how these shapes drastically changes the shape that they want to portray to the world. So remember this, thin lighter stripes over the darker is the best way to go.  And if both stripes are very thin together, then this will look great on you as well. I'm more of a thin stripped, vertical-line kind of girl, but to each their own. Black, however, is a whole nother story.

This woman , a plus size indeed, wears her weight well by wearing the right colors and cuts in the right way. She is curvaceous and fabulous . Use this concept .

Black is slimming only in certain flattering cuts. Sometimes, based on your curves, skin tone, hair color and size--black can make you look like a huge beach ball, a cheap whore or a total hot mess. Get to know your body so you don't make this error. That "little black dress" only works if it compliments ALL parts of your body. Seriously. ALL parts. And when you seek out that "little black dress" you must have a clear vision of what you want that dress to do and what kind of vibe you want to give off. To make these distinctions clear, I will make up three different categories : Sultry, Cute and Office. 

If you want sultry, you have to think about  showing legs , cleavage and curves.  If you want cute, you have to think about the waist fit, the shoulder cuts and the way the dress grabs you in a warm, cuddly yet fun way. If you want office, you have to make sure that cleavage is packed away or subtlely shown, its knee length at least so that it screams womanly but appropiate. If you consider these issues with these three concepts, you can successfully achieve whatever version of this look you want. 

Wear black and wear it well. The power is in your hands.

Color .  Color Blocking. Color Fun! Period.

NO!! NO!!!! OMG NO!!!

Color. Choose wisely from the colors you will see before you very, very carefully. A solid neon yellow or turquoise pencil-shaped/mini-dress can never, ever, ever be your friend. It calls too much attention to your waist, your hips and your legs. And you don't want all of that attention. You want to put on something that exuberates Fall 2012 in the most flattering way possible. Color blocking--thank goodness--is very in this season and will be your savior as well as your great creative direction.

Lane Bryant does it right in this top! Just a tease of skin and it fits so well 

 If you truly want to show a little skin, then you have to give the skin-teasing tops and dresses a shot. For example, a full shirt that is button down or totally closed with little slits on top of the shoulder areas. The top till middle part of your shoulder usually shows less jiggly-weight than does completely exposed arms or legs. So if you're worried about the potential excessive layered skin effect, then you can go with this look. 

Ugh! Ashley Stewart is pushing the wrong kind of color blocked dress here, the lighter color is the strongest one present! It grabs at your body too much and will show unwanted parts and gives you a whole "hootchie mama" look too---and you deserve better than that!

Plus--jump on the band wagon of color blocking apparel! It creates so many fun and exciting angles for you!

Shawls, Cowls , Wraps and Jackets---all made just for you!

I really have to give Lane Bryant a huge pat on the back for carrying some of the BEST selections of plus size clothing . Ashley Stewart ( a plus-size only store), Rainbow , H&M  and other stores that have a plus-size section usually don't go the extra mile to adjust their clothing to suit your body type. It's just the same design, same material--except bigger. And that's really not the best thing if it won't look good on your body type . But Lane Bryant tends to transform the current fashion trends so that it translates well for your body.

This is a shell designed as a cowl in a wonderful fall/wintery print. There are so many cuts and angles to it that it creates an amazing structured look on your body that makes it look curvy and fresh!

Fall time means its layering season. Scarves, wraps, and the like are totally in now. Lane Bryant grasps at this trend and pulls magical bunnies out of their hat just for you! This pix below, which although does have its own caption, is another example of how this company takes everything to the next level. I want to wear this cape. Anyone would love to wear this cape.  Luckily, it's all for you guys!

YOWSA!! Look at this amazing, amazing cape! The pattern is amazing! The cut is great for ANY body type! Go Lane Bryant!

Lane Bryant currently has killer looks with your body in mind! I can't stop singing their praises really!  Their collection of versatile inner-outter wear is astounding--check out this amazing color blocked poncho. I love it! Its so sophisticated and slimming all at the same time!  All in all, Lane Bryant has a great collection of sportswear, casual wear and formal wear that flatters you. Put them up there on your list of top stores to shop at.

Did Someone Say Jumpsuits?!!

Featured here are 2  strapless jump suits created by Fanista. Look at how it gathers so that your belly isn't seen and your waist is accentuated ! 

Yes! Believe it or not, jump suits are pretty much naturally made to flatter any body shape or size! They are usually fitted but loose at the same time, and this is the one thing that is sold in most stores that a plus size woman can buy with confidence that it will fit her well! There's something magical about jumpsuits, I just can't describe it!

This stunning piece of work can be found at this website :http://www.plusshe.com/

I bought my first jumpsuit over the summer, and whether I was walking around on the beach or dancing my heart out in the club , I felt so comfy, free and beautiful all at the same time. Most retail shops are pushing these out now, so go out there and find one that speaks to you the most. You will love how it holds you and how great you feel in it. 

Pleated Looks Does it!

Nothing but pleat showing here! Although I disagree with the sleeveless part of it, overall it does an excellent job of fashion flare and awesome coverage.

Oh. My. Gosh. Seriously. Pleats are the BEST thing for anyone. Like ANYONE. Like ANY body type. It gives you a whimsical and sophisticated look with little to no regard at all whatsoever to your body size! It makes me feel magical and weightless even when I'm having a really bad bloated day or I just don't like what I see when I look into the mirror.  Ladies, grab this up. Tops, skirts, dresses, omg. Pleated clothing does not discriminate, it loves you no matter what size you are. 

Just a little fyi--don't take it in the too "cheesy" direction . Match it up in nice, normal tones. If you are going to get a silver pleated dress...it may call too much attention to yourself in a not-so-good way. But a metallic, dark color is the best thing for you. Please DON'T get this in  neon yellow, neon orange, lime green or neon pink. That's half way to cheesy and trashy town. Plus, its the fall not the summer or spring so you really shouldn't be wearing those kind of colors in a pleated style anyway ( not that it can be pulled off so gracefully during the summer or spring at all). It's fall so indulge yourself in dark blues, purples, violets, greens, grays, browns, reds and blacks. If you are getting the glittery kind of pleated styles,the glare of it all will make up for the dark colors and give you that extra sparkle at night. No need to get a bright color to look like a shining star in the dark city night! 

Give your Hair that Extra Flair! 

Here's the thing, as I mentioned before in my second blog entry--big hair is in. And big hair also has the power to take the attention off your body. If your hair is big and bursting with tons of volume, it actually gives the illusion that you are much tinier than you actually are!  I've been doing the big hair thing since the spring and I love what it does for me! Its sooo big that it overshadows my waist and make me look super slim! 

Disclaimer: There is no guarantee that everyone who tries this clever little fashion trick will get the exact same results I did, but you will get something that takes the attention off your body and slims you down a bit. Give it a shot. Do an ode to whitney houston or just a throw back to diana ross.  Big hair will help you in the long run for the better, so get the blow dryer and start teasing it! ^_^.

Make Up Revolution

Rihanna is rocking the black eyeliner, bright red lip look here. Dramatic and Sensual all in one! 

Big hair is in, yes it is! Since it will make your face a major focal point you really should do something great to pull people into it. So  if you're more of a same-routine type of gal when it comes to make up, now would be a great time to start experimenting! I personally love the overly dramatic look with either a whimsical or sultry feel. Some days I want to feel like a floating fairy; other days I want to feel so sensual and super sexy. 

Loreal Makes the Best Eyeshadows that aid me creating my Fairy-like look!

Dark and defined eyeliner with bright crimson red lips are the perfect companions to capture that dramatic-sensual look. A colorful array of fall-toned eyeshadows in green, brown, purple, orange , lilac, gold, silver and  black along with pixy-pink blush captures the dramatic-fairy look so easily. These are good guidelines to work with, but everyone has their own look and their own taste, so experiment ladies. You will be glad that you did.  

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Ahh omg!! I'm so excited for you gals, you're gonna rock out this fall 2012 season in style ! I hope this itty, bitty little entry will help you in nailing down your look in just the way you want to! And don't fret or cry when you hear the word "plus-size". Think of it the way that I do, there's more of the awesomeness that is you to love. And I want you to rock it out in the best way possible. I <3 u guys! So until next time, keep rocking it! And don't forget to get some Sugar and Spice in your life! 

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!! ^_^