Social Media: Fashion's New Muse

Think back to your earliest fashion muse. No, not that time when the Spice Girls took over and all you wanted to wear were pig-tails, baby-doll dresses, and platform sandals via Baby Spice...or the time when wearing JNCO jeans and Airwalks made you want to be a professional skateboarder and wife to Gavin Rossdale (maybe we can scratch that memory altogether)...think back even earlier. For me, and I'm sure for most girls, it was my mother's closet.   

The episode when Carrie Bradshaw had access to Vogue's accessory closet in SATC conjures the same "can-you-believe-this-is-for-me-to-play-dress-up" excitement I felt every time I rummaged through my mother's clothes circa 1988. I can recall (and wish my mom still had) the floral midi-skirts, harem pants, and multi-colored, sky-high beaded shoulder-pad dresses that could rival Balmain's dresses today.

I mean look at this fierce fashionista. Midi-skirts and ankle strap heels? This outfit could still be worn with no questions asked. Well, maybe one from me begging asking, "Can I borrow that?" Dad looks pretty sharp with his chambray pants and moochies (mustache) and I'm certain hipsters would nod in agreement. 

Bravo, parents, bravo. 

Regardless of how questionable my choices may have been, the lines of my fashion inspiration as a child and adolescent were clearly drawn. In the rapidly changing digital age, I find that it has grown more amorphous in nature. I'm no longer the 14-year old that would wake up to her No Doubt poster thinking, "What would Gwen Stefani wear," but rather the adult that checks Instagram, what's been posted on Wendy's Lookbook, and Who, What, Wear. The query has led me to ask some of my friends, "What inspires you when you get dressed up?"

Has the validation of our outfit choices been boiled down to the number of likes and comments we receive on social media?  Can we be stylishly avant-garde and just not care? Or do we fall somewhere in the middle and want to scrapbook and share the experience? 

I came to this realization earlier this week when in the middle of a religious ceremony (Laylat Al-Qadr), I had a knee-jerk reaction to pull out my phone and take a picture of the experience for Instagram. Luckily, I had forgotten my phone in my car in an attempt to keep me focused and not a slave to digital alerts. I had resolved to find spiritual enlightenment and be in the moment. The thing is though, I wanted to share not for the sake of propelling a popularity contest and Look How Much Better I Am than Thou post, but rather because it really was a beautiful experience. I like to think I'm somewhere in between and use Instagram similar to a scrap book - or a record - of who I was with, what I have worn, and where I have been. It is my OWN Who, What, Wear of sorts. Who knows, maybe in the future my own daughter may use pictures from my Instagram in hopes of outfit inspiration and rumination. 

When it comes to social fashion sharing, have you ever thought about where you fall? Here's a fun little choose-your-own-adventure quiz I stumbled upon that I wanted to share. I'd love to hear where you fall on the spectrum. 

Happy quizzing! 

xoxo

Mixed Prints + Day and Night

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

I wanted to share one of my favorite finds from earlier this week - these comfy monochrome pants from H&M! At first glance, they looked like glorified pajama pants in the store, but as the old adage goes ... never judge a book *ahem* I mean ... never judge an outfit piece until it's tried on.

I decided to create two looks with these pants - one for the day and night.

For my day look, I kept it casual and comfortable with a polka dot knit and a red vintage cloche hat. A little fashion trivia for you guys - the "cloche" was named after the French word for bell during the 1920's. I feel like it's as symbolic of the times as the beaded flapper dress. I just wish I had a reason to wear it out more.  

I wanted to play with prints and mix the "boxed" look of the pants with polka dots. While mixing prints can be intimidating, here are a few tips that can help anyone from the fashionably savvy to the fashionably disinclined:

1) Stay in the same color family - It doesn't have to strictly be black and white like I did above, but as long as you stay within the same color family (ie: pastels with pastels, earth tones with earth tones, grayscale with grayscale), it will blend the pieces together while still creating a statement. 

2) Polka dots are are the easiest to mix - Whether it's with stripes, houndstooth, animal prints, or the box-print I'm wearing, polka dots are the easiest of patterns to mix with others. The key is to keep it black and white, then add a dash of color with either a statement bag, heels, or a necklace (just don't do all three for overkill). 

3) Limit your prints - Keep it to two prints max. There's a thin line between trendy and trashy if you go overboard with prints. If you decide to wear a blazer or another third item, be sure to keep it a solid color. In addition, scale your prints to size. The prints should be about the same size so its pleasing to the eye without becoming overwhelming. 

4) Have fun - Don't be intimidated! Clothes are a means of expression, so by all means have fun pairing the unexpected with one another. 

For my makeup look, I kept it simple with a bold matte red, mascara, and blush. Whenever I'm in a rush to get ready, I usually do this look because it literally takes five minutes. The key is to have a flawless base and then build upon it with a few simple items. 

For my face:

I started with Hourglass's Mineral Primer Veil, then used MAC's Studio Fix Fluid foundation in NC42. Around my t-zone area, I used a dot of Kevyn Aucoin's Sensual Skin Enhancer in SX09 (a little big goes a loooong way so use sparingly). I blended it altogether with a beauty blender. 

Cheeks and contour: 

NARS "Orgasm/Laguna" duo 

Powder:

I absolutely LOVE Hourglass's "Ambient" Lighting Palette. I use it at the very end of my foundation/blush/contour routine to get the airbrushed look without the airbrush price. 

Eyebrows: 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in "Ebony"

Lips:

I'm always on the hunt for the perfect red lip color. My favorite for a few years has been MAC's "Ruby Woo" (until "Riri Woo" came out), but I also like Stila's "Stay All Day" Liquid Lipstick. This one in particular is Stila's "Beso". It has a slight orange hue, which makes it perfect for my complexion. Rule of thumb: Be sure to always try on reds before you buy them! It always varies person-to-person depending on the color of your skin. 

 

For my night look, I opted for a silk tank and white blazer to dress up the pants. This could be dressed up with a silver statement necklace as well. I'd probably even wear this to work as it is. What do you guys think?

Here's to comfortable pajama pants trousers, 

xoxo 

Outfit Details:

Top: Polka Dot Knit from Forever 21

Tank: Zara

Blazer: Topshop

Pants: H&M

Shoes: Forever 21

Hat: Vintage find

50 Shades of Blue: The Denim Edition

Happy Monday everyone,

I admit when I first saw the denim-on-denim trend (aka the "Canadian suit" or "Texas tux" depending on where you live), I wasn't a fan. Particularly, when both the shirt and the jeans are the exact same, it becomes too "farmer-girl" for my taste...and let's be honest, the pitch fork makes a poor accessory choice. The key is simplicity without predictability. Denim worn in unexpected ways makes it surprisingly refreshing. With this particular look, I wore light-wash distressed boyfriend jeans with a dark chambray top. The chambray material makes it light enough to be worn during the summer (it makes a great fall transitional piece too!).  I did not want to over-accessorize or wear a statement shoe. It would become distracting and take away from the denim. The simplicity mixed with denim's humble origins make it casually elegant, chic, and comfortable.

My husband and I decided to go to one of our favorite hang-out spots before dinner yesterday. Dubbed "the Fly" by local New Orleanians, it's a large park on the banks of the Mississippi River hidden behind the Audubon Zoo away from all the tourists and the frenzy of the city. You can actually hear the birds and the river passing by. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon with kids playing soccer, families bbqing, and people fishing. Ahhhh summer bliss!

Before we were married, this was one of the first places I took my husband to see. It holds a special place in my heart for a variety of reasons: 

1) Childhood and college memories: I would picnic here with my family before going to the zoo. Years later, I would spend countless hours hanging out, tanning (yes - I was that delusional brown girl that tanned), eating crawfish, and listening to music here during my college days. 

2) My parents would picnic here with Popeyes and chai when they first got married in the 1970's (pre-kids). Then when they kids came around, they did the same, but exchanged the chai for juice boxes. 

3) My husband's parents (both Tulane Alums) also spent a considerable amount of time hanging out and doing all the stuff above during their college years. 

ps: It hasn't changed at all since the 1970's - which is probably why both our parents still love it because it reminds them of their memories...and why we love it too because we're making our own.

Along with simple accessories, I kept my makeup simple as well. I'm wearing MAC's "Please Me," mixed with "Rebel" here, cat-eye liner, and just a little black smudge under the eye.

What are some of your own favorite summer hangout spots and memories?

Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Outfit Details:

Shirt: Madewell's The Perfect Chambray Shirt in wilder wash

Jeans: Gap Distressed Sexy Boyfriend 

Shoes: Ann Taylor Kenzie Piped Leather Pumps

Purse: Mulberry Alexa Leather Satchel 

Sunglasses: "O" by Oscar de la Renta

A Midi-Summer's Night Dream

My infatuation with the midi-skirt is in full swing and my latest crush is this black pleated skirt from H&M. Club Monaco has a similar skirt called "The Matie," but I preferred this one for the full lining underneath. The soft pleating gives it an ultra-feminine look and the length keeps it sophisticated (and appropriate for iftars and family gatherings). I was so tempted to wear this with a white button-down oxford, but I purposely did not want to make this a black and white outfit (fashion confession: 90% of my closet is black and white. No joke). 

I accessorized with a clutch I bought during my visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this year. For anyone that knows me, I'm obsessed with Arabic calligraphy. I love the subtle intricacies of the letters contrasted against the stripes of my knit sweater and the pleats of the skirt.



I like having one outfit piece that pops out - and for this one it was this blue, green, and yellow necklace. Can you believe I bought this for $10 at a jewelry convention show? The "sun" ring was another bargain find I discovered in a Saudi marketplace for $2. Win, win!

Shakespeare wrote in A Mid-Summer's Night Dream, "Yet I marked where the bolt of Cupid fell / It fell upon a little western flower, / Before milk-white, now purple with love's wound / And maidens call it Love-in-idleness." But this is my MIDI-summer's infatuation and I've definitely fallen love-in-idleness for this piece. 

Until next time . . . 

xoxo

Outfit Details:

Shirt: Ann Taylor (sold out in stores, similar one here)

Skirt: H&M (Club Monaco similar design here)

Shoes: Sigerson Morrison Fall 2011 (similar one here)

Clutch: similar one here

Red, White, and Palazzo Pants

Ever have one of those days when you're torn between wearing a maxi skirt or trousers? The palazzo pant allows you to do both. You have the illusion of the maxi skirt, but the freedom of movement (in case you plan on running or leaping around) in pants. If you plan on wearing a bold print like I did below, balance it out with a solid shirt. I chose to wear a light, white blouse - which is pretty much my color of choice these summer days. If you decide to do the opposite - a printed blouse pairs well with solid palazzo pants as well.

I love the retro look of these pants! They were originally popular in the 1930's, then again in the 1960's-70's, and they have once again made a comeback. Ironically, my mom had a similar pair in solid green from the 70's, but she donated them to a local clothing charity earlier this month. Grrrr... if only I had found them sooner. 

How much fun is this "Parental Advisory" clutch? I've seen the shirts everywhere, but I prefer the purse form because it makes it more versatile. I think it gives this otherwise clean outfit a little edge. The clutch is also big enough to fit all my essentials - wallet, cell phone, lipstick(s), lotion, antibacterial lotion, kleenex, keys, maybe a scarf if it's cold...you get the idea. I'm a self-proclaimed bag lady. 

Since it's been so hot and humid in New Orleans, I find myself tying my hair up in a messy bun more often. It also helps that I can do it in a couple of minutes and I'm ready to go.

The material of these pants make them super soft and light enough to wear in the heat. The shirt's cutout on the back similarly allows me to stay cool and comfortable. I decided to pair this outfit with nude Ann Taylor pumps, but sandals or wedges would work as well. Just make sure to never wear boots with wide leg pants like these - unless you're going for that urban cowboy (cowgirl?) look. 

It was so windy that I couldn't keep my bangs from flying around! (ay yi yi...) At least I got a couple decent pictures out of it.

I hope you enjoyed. As always, thanks so much for reading! Until next time . . . 

xoxo

Outfit Details: 

Shirt: Zara (no longer available in stores)

Pants: Urban Outfitters Wide-Leg Printed Pant

Shoes: Ann Taylor Kenzie Piped Leather Pumps

Clutch: Nasty Gal Parental Advisory Clutch

Dressing up Denim

As much as I love getting dressed up, the last couple of weeks have been...hard. And by hard, what I really mean to say is - I've been lazy. For those of you fasting during the month of Ramadan, maybe you'll understand my gripe. I'm certainly not complaining. I actually feel like I've grown spiritually (and physically too - if we're being honest. Fasting brings out my ravenous side). Which leads me to ask - who wants to feel constricted and uncomfortable on an empty stomach? While my go-to items these couple of weeks may have revolved around comfort, this does not mean I have to forego style. Even a simple dress can be stylishly transformed with the addition of accessories. Case in point - summer hats and scarves:

A scarf with a simple pop of color adds life to any ordinary outfit. I like how the denim dress enhances the subtle blue stripes of the scarf while the shocking pink doesn't make it too "matchy-matchy". Paired with some funky shoes and a hat, you have an outfit that is uniquely yours. 

Just like with jeans, denim dresses may require a few trips to the fitting room until you find what you're looking for. I had three things in mind when I was doing the Triple D (Denim Dress Digging):

1) Quality material that IS denim and not a cotton/linen blend with a denim look

2) Long-sleeves that can be folded (it can transitioned into a fall or winter piece) 

3) POCKETS! I looooove dresses with pockets

This one was a steal at the Gap for only $23.99 (originally $59.95) and met everything on my mental check list. 

But I have to admit, my favorite thing about this outfit are the shoes. I can pin-point the exact time, place, and day I found these babies (Black Friday 2010, Anthropologie, at about 10 AM). Like the rest of this outfit, I found them on sale for $40 (originally $150). The wedged heel allows these shoes to be worn for hours on end without discomfort. I also love how the blue hues of the shoe (say that 5x fast) tie into the denim dress and the scarf as well. My only issue is that since these are cloth shoes, be careful not to wear them out in the rain. Soggy feet = no bueno. 

Here's to those lazy summer days, 

xoxo

Outfit Details: 

Dress - Gap Chambray Shirtdress 

Hat - J.Crew

Scarf - Soft Striped Scarf Gap 

Shoes - Anthropologie (no longer in stores)

Purse - Alexa leather satchel by Mulberry