Your Own Brand of Swag

Some people have a sort of general style that they stick to, you know...their aesthetic is somewhat consistent day in and day out. Like maybe minimalist, haute boho, or just straight up glamorous. Ya know what I mean? They’ve got their own brand of swag or something. Anyways. WTF is my style?! I can’t quite pin it down. Does that mean it’s just like, eclectic or...? I feel like to describe someone’s style as ‘eclectic’ is actually cheating. I mean like, when I look up ‘eclectic’ in the thesaurus some of the synonyms we got here are ‘miscellaneous’ or ‘assorted’; which is not necessarily the look I am going for. But still...I can’t put my finger ont it. What is your style? I am honestly curious to know how you would describe your personal style vibez; just cause it’s kinda a fun thing to talk about amongst ourselves. Like when you take a quiz together while reading a magazine with your girlfriends type-a-thing or like, horoscopes or something. Also, even if this is your first glance at me ever in your whole life, please take a crack at describing what you think my style could be and maybe I will adopt it as my own. Maaaaaybe.

Vintage sequin top. Thrifted striped pants. F21 earrings and bracelet. Jessica Simpson heels.

Until next time, 

Chelsea

Stella Style

My Grandma gave me my first laptop for my Sweet 16 birthday, during my sophomore year in High School. After making the big decision to retire my middle school screen name of NFashionGal and opting for the more mature xoBiNNYox, I spent hours choosing the perfect color scheme, aligning the fonts just so, and choosing the perfect Rocket Summer lyrics for my AIM profile. At last, my masterpiece was complete. I remember I felt like Lizzie McGuire; my own room, zebra print curtains, leopard print bedding, sparkly photo frames with “BFF” or “SISTERS” occupying every open surface space, framed editorials from Vogue lining the walls, and NOW, my very own laptop! I was living the teenage dream! Naturally, the first website I ever visited on my new laptop was...Style.com. And lemme tell ya, for a fashion obsessed kid in the ‘burbs, I couldn’t believe what a magical place it was! I still haven’t quite gotten over my Style.com obsession; and whenever I’m feeling uninspired I mosey on over and browse through old collections or new, looking for something that will spark my interest. (If you haven’t already check out the “Video” tab. I am SO obsessed.) I was feeling a tad uninspired just the other day and ended up scoping out Stella McCartney’s latest Resort Collection. I had just the A-HA moment that I was looking for; LOVE the fresh pastel color combos with splashes of luxe leopard. Both of which directly inspired my easy ensemble for lunch at the Gypsy Den...again.

Vintage sweater. Vintage button up. F21 shorts. Vintage shoes. F21 necklace.

Until Next Time,

Brittany

Chelsea Says Relax

Ahhh...the Cali life. We just had a full week of 80 degree weather which I filled with trips to the beach, magazines by the pool, hiking along seaside cliffs, and sippin wine by the fire pit. Mother nature always teases us with this little taste of Summer in mid-january. Now we’re back to cloudy skies, rain, ungodly 50 degree temps and a bunch of little chick-a-dees running around town in their Hunter rain boots. As an offering of thanks to the sun gods, I went out decked in my fave new beach cover up that I picked up at a Pile Sale; a sheer button down accented with a scene of life on an island tucked into some far corner of the ocean. I think there are different ways of achieving sex appeal in your look, but ya know what I think is sexiest about this particular ensemble? There’s an ease to it. The relaxed fit of the jeans, the unbuttoned, sheer top (with a peek-a-boo black bra), an understated black hat to cover up the unkempt hair, and a simple strappy sandal. I felt like I was floating through the day, simply swaying and moving wherever the breeze took me...which oddly enough was to the Gyspy Den, school, and work. Maybe next time I rock this look I’ll end up on a deserted island, far far away, with a cocktail, bikini, and a good book. Until then, dressing the part and day dreaming will have to do ;)

Vintage top. Vintage jeans. Vintage hat. Thrifted sandals. F21 bracelet and necklace.

Until Next Time,

Chelsea

Linked In

If you haven't heard of Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB), then I feel bad for you. It's like the official "How To Guide" for creating a thriving fashion blog, with articles touching on subjects such as copy writing, SEO tips, social media marketing, fashion blogger photography 101, monetization ($$$), affiliate links...the guts of the blogging world, if you will. The real meat and potatoes kinda stuff. Considering how freaking awesome they are, I was totally thrilled when they picked my blog entry "The Dark Triad" as one of the featured stories in their weekly blog roundup known as "Links a La Mode". (Did you know you can submit YOUR stories?! True story. DO IT.) I'm amongst what is actually a laundry list of stellar blogger babes, so grab a cup o' joe, take a minute to visit each blog on this list, and leave them a little lovin'. They deserve it.

LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUND UP: JANUARY 24TH

 

• Attire Club: The Professional Way To Choose Colors For Your Clothes
• Chocolate Laced: 6 Ways To Use Pinterest for Style Inspiration
• Dress Code: High Fashion: The (Illustrated) History of Chloe Part 1/2: 1952-2001
• Fashion Moriarty: Galliano’s New Gig
• Fawkeshunter: Think Fast Fashion
• Girl Scout: White Here White Now
• I’m an Airhead: Practical Prom Part I: Practical.
• IFB: Your February 2013 IFB Conference Roster Revealed!
• Informed Style: Gehry Tiffany Rings
• Mis Papelicos: Building A Better Blog
• More Mascara Please: Mixing Patterns (Under $100 Challenge)
• Oh Seven Days: Hometown Talent – Malorie Urbanovitch
• Pardon My Fashion: Dark Triad
• Pinque Blog: So You Wanna Be A Fashion Blogger
• Runaway in LA: Quiz – Which Gossip Girl is Your Style?
• Style Curated: High Heel Shoes part I: Anatomy of the Heel
• The Girl With The Bun: 3 Hats To Top off an Outfit
• The Style Note: 12 Trends That Should Stay in 2012
• Two Take On Style: The Lowdown on Shapewear
• Undercover Dress-Up Lover: Bees

Mack Daddy

Seriously though...I think this coat may have belonged to a Pimp. This is like, one majorly BOSS fur coat. It’s real...as if you couldn’t tell. (Don’t worry it’s vintage, honey!) Scored this bad boy for $5. True story. Went for a sort of Cali cool 70’s mack daddy vibe with a perfectly worn vintage tee, denim shorty-shorts, cowboy booties, and a wide brimmed black hat. I know this coat once belonged to a Pimp, because when I wear it I have a little more swag in my step, know what I mean? Big Pimpin, spendin G’s...that kinda stuff. I actually rather enjoy dressing like a Pimp. I added the black wide brimmed hat and walked around feelin like I was the mudda fuggin Queen Bee all day. Ladies is Pimps, too!

Vinatge Coat. Vintage Tee. Thrifted shorts. Thrifted Hat. F21 Booties.

Until Next time,

Bittany

Is Man Repelling...Sexy?

How about my new nautical inspired sequin top and suede shorts I scored at Goodwill for $10?! #Winning. So, I saw this quote the other day, on Pinterest of course, and I wanted to share it with you. It said, “Men are attracted to confidence more than tits, ass, or face. There’s nothing sexier than a woman who refuses to give a fuck.” First of all, AMEN. (#AmIRight, ladies? ) But second of all, what does this mean for “Man Repelling”? Is it simply a myth? I have begun to notice that man repelling is actually a very useful tool for weeding out less desirable mates. For instance, one young gentleman recently inquired regarding my sweater, “What is that thing?” I had to explain the whole sort of personal style/self expression thing to him and he just wasn’t quite understanding... Done-Zo. Can’t be having that kinda ‘tude around! Other men, however, will absolutely, 100%, without a doubt, think you are the baddest bitch in the room for wearing even your most man-repelling of ensembles. He’ll be like, “Damn, this girl don’t give a fugg. This girl is fly.” And in a bar of full of bandage skirts, body con dresses, and copious amount of cleavage, you’ll have a subliminal spotlight that shines down on YOU that says, “There is more to me than meets the eye...” And THAT my friends is what sexy is alllllll about ;) (Granted, this is not exactly my most man repelling of ensembles, just something I wanted to get off my chest, ya know?)

Thrifted sequin top. Thrifted Suede shorts. Vintage shoes. (For a grand outfit total of $15...SUCK ON THAT.)

Until next time,

Chelsea

Dark Triad

Some people have style and some people do not. If you have style, then you know what I’m talking about. Sartorially speaking, some people just “get it”. Other people...just don’t. (I know, it makes me sad too.) But, It’s never really bothered me, because as they say, “to each their own.” Good news is, if your reading this blog, then you are most likely a very stylish individual. (BRAVO!) Did you know that according to some Psychology mumbo-jumbo, us fashion-worshippers possess personality traits known as the “Dark Triad”? (I know, so dark, mysterious, and...cool.) Ah...hold up; that ‘Dark Triad’ thing is actually narcissism, Machiavellianism, and...PSYCHOPATHY. Um, WTF? Lemme get this straight. You’re telling me, old white man, that my creative outlet; my attempt to communicate ideas, concepts, and artistically express myself through the garments that adorn my body makes me a narcisistic, power hungry, psychopath?! The study goes on to say that, “When people high in Dark Triad traits dress-up, they may experience greater increments in self-esteem or derive more satisfaction from the additional attention they receive, compelling them to continue dressing well.” So you’re saying that the increased self esteem and personal satisfaction we derive from our style is actually...a bad thing? Isn’t confidence and self-love like, totally in? I’m no Freud but what exactly is the problem here? Why these psychologists be hatin’ on us?! Do these psychologists consider fashion an art, the way we do? Are painters, writers, designers, musicians, and other creatives considered psychopathic, too?! Read more on this study here, and let me know your thoughts. Or if you feel so inclined, shout off about it on your blog, too...and then send me a link! Us fashionistas gotta stick together, man...

Vintage sweater that I stole from my sister Ashley.Vintage fur stoll. Vintage skirt. Vintage Gucci watch. F21 booties. 

Until next time,

Brittany

OUTBREAK

Ladies, lets talk jewelry. I LOVE jewelry; in fact my life would simply not be the same without it. Where would fashion blogging be without the gaggle of cross necklaces, McQueen skull rings, bedazzled collar necklaces, that one YSL ring, Michael Kors oversized watches, and the ubiquitous ‘arm party’...all of these being worn at the same time, of course. There is an Over-Accessorizing Outbreak sweeping and nation...and it’s the worst one I’ve seen since the Stud Pandemic debacle of 2010. (Thank God it’s not quite as bad as the Lita Plague..which we are still recovering from. It’s a long road...) Here’s a few tips and tricks so that you do not fall victim to the #OverAccessorizingOutbreak. An overdone arm party is the first symptom, so keep your bracelet consumption to say, 2 on each arm? Think about whether or not you even need that many, as this can still be considered ‘risky behavior’. Personally, I’ve decided to stick with one statement cuff. I’ve found that a single, well placed cuff can actually speak louder than a wrist full of...shit. Now rings; if you’re wearing bracelets, think about skipping the rings altogether. In general, consider letting a single ring do all the talking for you. If you’re struggling with this concept, try one ring on the left and two on the right for an unexpected mix. Necklaces are key; the CFDA recommends a single statement necklace, maybe two or three if they are of the same metal and of a simpler style. If needed, use my ensemble today as an example. I have decided that a bright beanie, lustrous purple maxi, and semi-revealing crop top are where your attention should lie...not to mention the “girls”, if you will. A single silver cuff was warranted. No further accessorization needed ;)

Thrifted beanie and skirt. Foreign Exchange Top. Demonia creepers. F21 cuff.

Until next time,

Chelsea

PS- OMG if there is a Crop Top pandemic I feel I may have fallen victim! Tee hee hee.

The 10 Commandments of Thrifting

As usual, this entire ensemble is from a Thrift Store. Minus the boots, it cost $26. (Fur is expensive...even at a thrift shop!) Wore this out for lunch in Laguna Beach with my man...people were HIGHLY amused by my fuzzy hat. And now, for the highly anticipated and critically acclaimed, 10 COMMANDMENTS OF THRIFTING by the Ruler of the Thrifting Universe, ME:

1. Thou shall not pay attention to sizes. This blazer for instance, is a size 10. I would normally wear a size 2...but look how wonderfully draped and oversized the fit is. DO. NOT. LOOK. AT. SIZES. Trust.

2. Thou shall possess the knowledge of fabrics and colors. Guys, WHO has time to sit in a thrift store sifting through the hundreds upon hundreds of hideously GRODY items that have NO redeeming fashion value? Not me. This is why I sift, keeping 2 things at top of mind: color palettes I wants and fabrics that I want. I simply graze my eyes across the racks until a color or fabric stands out, then I assess the item and keep grazing!

3. Thou shall keep an open mind. Every once in a while, I find an item that has a beauty that has yet to be revealed to the world. (AKA, it needs a makeover.) This is because it just needs a modern touch...a chopping off of the hem, a shortening of the sleeves, a dye job, or good old fashioned coat of spray paint. (Yes- you CAN spray paint shoes.) Get creative with it. When it only cost $5, who cares if you eff it up.

4. Thou shall know shapes and silhouettes. What are you interested in adding to your wardrobe? What is “in” this season? Oversized or fitted? Drop waisted or high waisted? Mini skirts or maxi skirts? Having this in mind will also help you to hone in on the items you really want.

5. Thou shall not underestimate the denim selection. Guys, they have designer jeans in there! Scan the racks and keep an eye out for QUALITY fabrics. That way, you don’t have to sift.

6. Thou shall visit the Men’s and Children’s sections. I found the perfectly worn pair of vintage Levi’s 501...in the little boys section. You can also find great oversized blazers, vintage tee’s, and sweaters in Men’s!

7. Thou shall check the valuables case for some great statement bits, baubles, and jewels...and every once in a while you might find a designer bag!

8. Thou shall look for modern shoe shapes. When shoe shopping, shape is the most important factor. What shapes are you looking for this season? Pointy toe or almond toe? Slingbacks or ankle straps? Knee high boots or booties? Find the shape that fits your criteria and assess from there!

9. Thou shall stop by Home Decor. Don’t forget to pass thru home decor section for cheap frames that you can customize, tons of colorful vases, trinkets, candles, and even furniture. (You didn’t think my wardrobe was the extent of my collection...did you?!)

10. Thou shall practice, practice, practice. Hate to say it but practice makes perfect. The more you thrift the better of an eye you will develop. Also, you have been warned..you may become addicted. Thrifting is highly, higlhly addictive ;)

Thrifted blazer, hat, top, and shorts. Via Spiga boots.

Until next time,

Brittany