Something Clever: A Fashion Blog

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Countdown To The Royal Wedding: Kate Middleton's Inescapable Style

It all started with a sheer black and gold silk dress with blue ribbon trim... and is ending in a Royal Wedding, romantic, right? In just 2 short days, Catherine Elizabeth Middleton will be England's new Princess and future Queen.. but more importantly, a permanent style icon. From not-so-humble upbringings (her parents are millionaires!), this fashionista has always dressed impeccably. Smart, savvy, and sophisticated, (3 S words crucial in becoming royalty) Kate has modernized what it means to dress like a lady, and wooed the Prince of England in the process! From her fasinators (my favorite!) to her big-ole'-hunk of sapphire, Kate never disappoints. And you know what I love most about her? She's not overtly sexy or gorgeous, she demure and pretty... and dare I say, normal! With all eyes on her this Friday (and let's face it, more eyes on the dress!) and some huge ruffles to fill (We miss you Diana!) get ready for fashion history people! Enjoy some of my favorite Middleton moments while I try to insert something clever...

The dress that started it all! During a charity fashion show at St. Andrew's, Middleton dawned this £30 reveling number designed by her friend Charlotte Todd. And, praytell! Who was sitting in the front row!?! Ah, yes, none other than the future King. I bet his exact thoughts were, "Break me off a piece of that!"

Kate (rocking the ring!) wearing an English necessity.. a Burberry trench.

Feather fasinators! Gah! I'm in love. A Kate staple is whimsical coats and dresses!

Kate adores riding boots, and she looks very prep/chic in them! (How English, right?)

This is at Kate's first official royal event, Willam's graduation from the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, England, in December of 2006. Man, did she hit the scene with a fashion bang! Loveee the studded gloves!!

Two of my favorite ensembles that Kate put together are, of course, her funkiest! I love the plaid and houndstooth patterns that she mixes with a bold scarf and fitted blazer! Princesse très chic!

It's no surprise that Kate adores now well known Brazilian designer Daniella Issa Helayel. She has catapulted the budding designer into a household name by wearing her on several photographed occasions (one example being her engagement announcement!). My favorite was the above sherbet pink gown worn to the Boxing Ball in 2009. So, the big question is whether her wedding gown will be a Issa original?? Guess we'll just have to wait and see.....

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Happy Birthday Edie Sedgwick! :)

Today marks what would be the 68th birthday of a style icon whose fashion legacy will live on forever! Edie, best known for her time (which was short yet unforgettable) spent at The Factory, will always be remembered to us fashion lovers for her art in redefined the rules of personal style. She was uninhibited in her expression and unapologetic about it! Her aura was captivating. She exuded charm, whit, and poise (she's the rock star Audrey to me!) that enchanted and interested the world in not only her style but who she was as a person. So, while many people and websites say that that best way to channel your inner Edie is to rock a striped body-con dress, cheetah coat, and thick, black tights, I disagree. I think the best way to pay homage to her is to be yourself, in the craziest way possible! Don't be afraid of your unique vision, and flaunt it like there is no tomorrow! I truly think that this woman was such a doll and rare, rare, jem and her death came far to early in her life! Below I've compiled a collection of my favorite pictures and clips of this fabulous social butterfly, I hope you enjoy! We miss you Edie!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Coachella 2011 Style Roundup!

Yet another year has passed by (that's 19 total people!), and I must ask myself, why have I not attended the best musical festival that the US has to offer, the indie rock smorgasbord, Coachella?!? Mix the Southern California laid-back vibe with a killer line up... and you have one incredible weekend of rock-in-roll awesomeness that needed me there! Acts included Cee Lo Green, Brandon Flowers (*gush*), Kanye West, The Strokes, The Kills, this year's Grammy shockers Arcade Fire and so many more fantastic artists. So, it's no surprise that the event has received quite the celebrity following. From Katy to Kayne to Kelly, all the stylish folk came with their fashion guns-a-'blazin' and their hippie flags flyin'! Here are some of my favorite quintessential Coachella looks, and some suggestions so that you too can be just as bohemian chic for your next outing. If you need me, I'll be watching viral clips of all the performances while I try to insert something clever........

Kanye rocking womenswear?? Could it be?? Yes, it is indeed true, he was seen sporting a Celine blouse featured in the Spring 2011 collection while performing at the festival.. and oddly, I like it! I little homo-sesual??... maybe, but it's Kanye. As long as he isn't ambushing stages, he's in the clear!

Straight guys, when you wear feminine pieces, always make sure to contrast and balance with things that are very masculine. For Kanye, it was his gold chains and cold-as-ice personality, but I would suggest boot-cut jeans (not skinnys!), work boots (maybe some Dr. M's), and a wrist watch or solid belt (no scarfs). This Henley below from Urban Outfitters does have a naturally feminine cut, but with the above tips you can totally look all man baby!

Standard Sub Henley - $24

Kate Bosworth is the queen of cool, so it was no gasp moment when she showed up looking effortlessly chic. The beauty in the outfit is the simplicity that still ends up looking layered! I think she looks to die for, and as always, it looks like she put it together in 5 minutes.

We all own fun graphic t's and a pair of distressed shorts, but we don't always know the right way to pull it all together without looking boring, but, just adding a few stellar, unique pieces can make a whole outfit happen! Pile on those bangles, the more the merrier, a cross necklace, and splurge on a pair of handmade moccasins (Esty all the way) instead of a generic pair you could pick up anywhere! Let's not forget the sunnies.. ALWAYS wear your sunnies! :) Forever 21 provides an inexpensive way to stock up on Kate-approved summer accessories!

Antiqued Ethiopian Bangles - $7.50

Gypsy Bracelet Set - $4.80

Teardrop Cross Necklace - $6.80

Sunglasses - $5.80

Oh Alexa, my fashion soul-mate, am I really taken aback by the fact that you look perfect? Of course not! :) Talk about a flirty (and short!) summer dress! This Brit knows style, and she looks divine in this sundress, but what I really like about the getup is that she didn't go typical lace ( all pretty and sweet). With a corseted waist, neon bangles, black buckled sandals, and cobalt nail polish, she turned this into a hip remix of an old classic!

Bold bold bold! It's all over the runways and the store shelves! Colors galore, so how do you choose? Like Alexa, don't overdo it! (Gucci can pull off a completely neon ensemble.. but, unfortunately, you can't!) Take mild pieces and mix in pops of extreme color! A bright top here, a brighter scarf there... you will be livening up the scene with your brilliance before you know it! Urban Outfitters knows what to do.

The Base

Staring at Stars Gauze Dress - $69

Deena & Ozzy Suede Open Toe Sandals - $39

Pleated Lightweight Infinity Scarf - $24

House of Holland tights - $28

Full Jersey Turban - $29

The last crocheted, Coachella candidate is Vanessa Hudgens, but I will admit, I have a difficult time talking about her. Why you ask? No! Not because she was in High School Musical silly billies!! Truthfully, this difficulty steams from me not really knowing if I absolutely love or completely hate her looks! On on hand, she goes full 1970s Woodstock bohemian and dares to be different with fashion (kudos, kudos) HOWEVER, some of her avant-garde-lookin' choices started to feel.. well.. a little too Ke$ha for me. So, I'll put you loyal readers to the test! On the top right of this page you should see a poll that begs the same question. Please help me decipher it because this has been looming in my mind all weekend!!! (not really, come on, I do have a life! :) ) While you contemplate, her are some bad-ass groovy 70s duds from ASOS that will surely be the talk of the town, you dig? :)

Peach Palazzo Pants - $71

Gold Button Detail Wide Leg Pants - $53

River Island Daisy Tunic - $62

Floral Print Chiffon Off the Shoulder Gypsy - $53

Pleated One Shoulder - $71

Masion Scotch Kaftan Maxi Dress - $187 (make sure to belt it!)

Sheer Sleeved Embellished Dress - $197

River Island Peter Pan Shift - $53

Thursday, April 14, 2011

The Fashion B**ch is Back!

Helllloooo my fabulously fanatic fashion followers! Yes, the rumors are true, after a 2- month hiatus (caused by extreme lack of stylish inspiration and creative pulls in other areas see: future novelist) I am back and ready to knock your knee high floral socks off with some to-die-for clothes! If you have been to the blog before, you know what I'm about. If not, hi.. glad you could stop in! My blog is all about fun in the warm Springy sun! I want to show you what's now, but also what I adore and I know you will too! I should warn you in advance though that I am a big ole' hypocrite. I preach to look incredibly jaw-dropping at all times, but today, when the opportunity came to look killer, in temperatures fondling the 80s, I chose a pair of tight (I hibernated this winter and I still have not shed my winter pounds!) skinnys and a Sex Pistols t. My hair was a wreak (could it be because I watch two infants that constantly tug on it, yes) and I admit, I looked a slight mess. Disappointed in my lack of passion, a bit. However, I DEFINITELY do not intend, at any time, to put on a ballgown to watch two babies who would just want to spit up and poop on it! As much as a fashionista as I am, I'm no priss. I wish I could look insane everyday, but the reality of that is simply unrealistic! So, this got me thinking. What are some simple ways to spruce up an outfit? What can turn something drab like a t and jeans into a trendy, fab ensemble! Here are some accessories that I think can do the trick! Please.. enjoy, drool, and fall in love with these duds! It feels good to be back! Take in the spring breeze and get ready for more as I try to insert something clever...

Moderno Crochet Fedora - $228 - Free People

Oversized '70s Floppy Hat - $35 - ASOS

Raw Egde Floral Headscarf - $20 - Urban Outfitters

P-Retro Cat Glasses (DIEEEEE!) - $135 - Ray-Ban

Ford Cutout Platform - $168 - Jeffery Campbell

Friday, February 11, 2011

Fresh To Death - A Man's Guide To Good Dressing Pt. 1 - Quirky

Men,

Even though you enjoy heterosexual things like football, Sports Illustrated models, and cars (I realize I'm stereotyping.. but to save time..) women still can't get enough of you. It's the stone-cold truth my friends. But you need to know something. This something, I think, is overlooked by the male race and needs to be addressed immediately......

The truth is..... as hard as it is for some woman to admit, we "operate" the same way you guys do, superficially (how lovely for the human race, right?). We stare at you with vulgar intentions, we gawk at you from across the way with our girlfriends, and we judge you, initially but not solely, on the way you look. (Don't deny it ladies, it's human instinct, you would look foolish if you did.) This is why it's SO VERY IMPORTANT that you boys know how to dress. I know most of you don't care (and since this a fashion blog, I'm sure a majority are gay and already know!) but it's a quintessential factor in a woman's decision in considering you as a potential partner or hookup. ***The way we think - "Oh, there is a cute guy... wait, is he wearing mandels? .. Wait are those birkenstocks?.. no NO NOOO, THEY'RE CROCS! never-mind...." *** This can happen to you, seriously, girls can be shallow. We love you for who you are, but we also SUPER LOVE you when you are who you are and you dress impeccably, especially on a first meeting or date! I know it sucks, but it REALLY works to your advantage. Let me tell you something, and I may be breaking girl code for this, a sharply dressed man can counteract any unattractiveness or insecurity. You don't believe me.. but trust me, it's true. Feel confident in the way you look and that can EXUBERANTLY change how you feel about yourself, and how you project yourself to the ladies! Now, this doesn't mean you have to change who you are! You just have to bring out the best, and remove the worse! So, to help you do so, I'm making a 5 part blog series in good dressing, and I know by the end of this, you will be making the girls swoon with your charming looks and maybe your personality as well. ;)

Sincerely drooling over your hotness,
Alex

For the quirky male.

Quirky is difficult to pull off without looking like a straight up dork or someone who is trying desperately to hard. So, I think we should learn by example. Joseph Gordon-Levitt embodies quirky style. It's functional, put together, simple, and (dare I say!) undeniably sexy! He looks humble and not pretentious, sweet, trustworthy, RELATIONSHIP MATERIAL FELLAS! (HINT HINT, WINK, WINK) I also think that he offers the best of the best for first date attire and winning-over-her-parents looks! Check out a few pics and ideas below, I added a few similar items that can all be found at Forever21.com. I would also suggest H&M! Enjoyed being stylized boys as I try to insert something clever.....