Vroom VROOM

Despite an obvious assumption that I am a certain way, I have maintained a likeliness for the urban-glam-motorcyle-chic look. Wearing rings that donned skulls or sporting boots with chains and rough hardware, I love this look.

mint green polish and motorcycle inspired bag (original photo)

Attempting to branch out, for many months last year I tried to incorporate more color into my wardrobe, even sporting a cream-colored purse with boho gold details. Although appropriate for summer, I quickly yearned for the tough look of black leather.

Last weekend I ventured to Forever 21 to treat myself. I indulged, finally, in the bag of my dreams. With the smooth black strap around my shoulder and across my body, I feel like I am home.  Paired with my black boots, my go-to look is back.



However, may I say, I do not wear this with all black and rough items. To balance the roughness, I pair it with mint green nails and a feminine top.

Although I don't have an urge to ride a Harley of my very own, I love the motorcycle-chic look. Black is classic, and the flawless combination of rough and soft will always satisfy my fashion appetite.

x

Styl-vention

In style, because it is artistic expression, there are few things that really get under my skin.

Disclaimer: I am not the type to judge people on their clothes...

However, there are some pretty bad things happening out there that I feel must be addressed. The list below are items/looks that I am not a fan of; this is not meant to offend.

1. Ugh, Ugg boots. Wearing these furry foes will make you seem apart of the crowd. With every other pair of feet donning them, wouldn't you rather wear something that makes you stand out? Try a set of riding boots instead.

2. I am not a fan of floral couches, grandma reminiscent textiles and such. Thus, I am, in accordance, not a fan of Vera Bradley. Why not wear a bright hued patent leather clutch?

Originality? (original pic)

3. Leggings as pants. They aren't.

4. North Face fleeces. Yes, I suppose they are warm, but again, everyone wears them. A cute menswear blazer with a floral or printed scarf is a better alternative for spring.

5. Being orange. Embrace your natural skin tones. If this is just too hard to bare, try a gradual self-tanner. Hey, we all love the Jersey Shore, but there is a reason these "characters" have become household names: we are able to laugh at them. And, it is not healthy, as we all know by now, to expose your delicate skin to harmful rays.

6. Following "rules." Yes, you can mix brown and black. Yes, you can mix metals. Yes, you can wear white all year round. Yes, you can wear suede in the summer. Many of these out dated opinions have actually sparked trends.

7. Balance. Be mindful of your patterns and proportions. For example, don't wear a short skin-tight leopard dress. The print is sexy enough; you don't need all of that. Also, only one stand out pattern at a time, no head to toe anything. Less is more.

8. I feel like this should be obvious, but super-short skirts are always a no.

9. It is fine to play around with your highlights but looking like a skunk is not natural. The point of highlights is create a certain natural look, just as makeup is suppose to enhance your given look. Don't go overboard ladies.

10. Too much makeup. Foundation is suppose to match your skin and eye makeup is suppose to enhance your stare. Yes, you can have fun with colors. But, again, less is more.

These are just my opinions, pet-peeves. I applaud, however, all of those who exhibit individual style and aren't afraid to push the envelope. Bravo!

Chai Please

Attempting not to get too far ahead of myself, I had to post this fall 2011 RTW collection. It is not even spring yet, but I have become inspired by the looks for this coming fall.

Richard Chai Fall 2011 Love Collection

Richard Chai's Love collection took my breath away. As described by Chai, “This is the girl who rolls out of bed and throws on her boyfriend’s coat, but in a refined way.” I love the idea of effortlessness because, ladies, it is usually apparent when you are trying too hard.

WWD reported of the collection, "This is Chai’s power girl, with her strong, broad Eighties shoulders and boxy, mannish silhouettes, but with a side of romance." He balances ideally the seamless combination of menswear and flirty feminine silhouettes.

Richard Chai Fall 2011 Love Collection

To further his creative genius, he chose to layer items with well tailored coats and vests. Layering is one of my favorite parts about cold weather fashions, thus my excitement for this particular collection.

The look above perfectly reflects the overall theme of the show. Taking a masculine print, such as narrow stripes, and placing it on a whimsical fit maintains his aesthetic. 

I also love this top, ballerina-esk, with neutral tones and lovely sparkle.


Richard Chai, je t'aime. All I can say is: obsessed.

White OUT

Band of Outsiders Spring 2011

It's is minimal, and a hit from the Spring 2011 New York fashion shows: white.

To be chic during the greatly anticipated spring season, dress in a color that will make you tanner without trying. A look of all white is clean and quite flattering. Pairing this trend with soft metallic accessories, you will definitely win some style points.

I am particularly obsessed with the Band of Outsiders look to the left for those lovely menswear flats. Due to the ensemble's feminine flow and  the shoes' pretty metallic tone, the look does not turn too masculine.

To further up your fashion I.Q., pair this spring obsession with another: bold colors. Place fabulous hot pink lipstick on your pout or electric hued shoes on your feet to make a statement.

I'm blushing!

As I return from the cold and embrace the heat, I notice my cheeks are perfectly rosy. The winter breeze seems to declare upon my face the most ideal blush definitions. Oh, so this is where I naturally blush.

Ladies, blush is key. It contours your face and is intended to compliment your skin tone. However, many don't wear it, or worse, they wear way too much.

Advice: the next time you come in from the cold, look in the mirror. Recall the patches of skin that don a pinkish or darker tint.

Yves Saint Laurent Creme Temptation

Next, the perfect product is needed to produce such a mimicking effect. I recommend a creme blush; it creates a dewy look that appears more natural. It should be dabbed, preferably, on the apples of the cheek (the part that is extenuated when you smile) or rather where your cheek bone is...

Let's not be afraid to blush or get cheeky! x

Parfum

One of the easiest tricks to feeling confident in a rush. Spritzing it on as you run out the door can put a look together.

An obsession of mine, perfume can, and should, be fun. However, overwhelmed with the multitude of possibilities, with a celeb becoming a face of a new campaign constantly, finding the right match for your personality can be challenging.

Lolita Lempicka

Problem solved. I happen to know the type of scent  I usually default to: a woody and oriental blend with hints of sandalwood and ivy leaves. My all-time favorite is produced by a small French brand, Lolita Lempicka. A whimsacle design, this perfume, to my nose, can simply not be beaten. The company, besides its signature scent, has released other limited edition scents.

To help the perfume neophyte in the search for the perfect aroma, I beauty experts Marie Claire Magazine and Sephora.

- http://www.marieclaire.com/fragrance-finder/

-http://sephora.com/browse/me/index.jhtml?categoryId=

A simple step to elegance, finding the perfect perfume might just be the thing you need to get out of a beauty slump. And although the price tag on a good perfume can be daunting, look at it as an investment. With regular use and proper storage ( a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight), a bottle of your 'fav' scent can last for years.

x

Location, Location, Location

Let the places you've gone inspire you.

Christian Louboutin Fifre ankle boots

During my time abroad, I loved to people watch. In regards to style, no one is as effortlessly chic as the Parisian women and men. Their sense of color, proportion and trends constantly blew my mind.

While abroad, a notable trend in footwear was boots that were "Napoleonic-esk." Parisian women were drawing upon their country's history. Furthermore, they donned military style coats, provoking the same vibe. In order to avoid looking to "costumey," mix one or two of these items with skinny jeans or a modern piece for balance.
 

On occasion, I still attempt to recreate the looks I found abroad. This desire may be ignited by a smell or a feeling that takes me back to a memory of that time. Regardless, I hope that you let your location inspire you. If your current locale is simply uninspiring, take yourself back to a time and place when you were.

Photo taken from Parc de Belleville April 2008 (original pic)

Paris will forever inspire my wardrobe...Paris je t'aime x