April Showers Have Begun

So with spring comes the return of the rain. Now as much as I hate the rain, it's a major player in my favorite movie of all time, Singing In The Rain. The comedy, the music, the chemistry, the clothes, perfection. So since showers are pouring across the United States, I thought it would be fun to take a look at the iconic styles of Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds in this great movie.

So glamorous, so classy, so fun. Let's break it down.
The necessities to create this look are classic, timeless pieces. A rainboot is a must. My FAVORITE are Hunter boots, of which I have 2 pairs. This fun, loving yellow and of course a basic black. But the classic yellow is perfect for emulating the poster Singing In The Rain look. (Hunter Rainboots, $98 available at shopbop.com in a slew of colors).

Okay, I was going to search online for a good, affordable trench coat, but I really hate endorsing anything I don't own or haven't seen in real life. So, why mess with perfection. There is no better trench coat out there than Burberry's famous cut. I don't own it, as it's SUPER  high priced, but I plan to one day, as this classic piece will never be outdated. (Burberry Trench, $1295, available at burberry.com) 

How cute is this hat! It could easily be right out of Debbie Reynolds' wardrobe for the film, but looks perfectly modern at the same time. (Eugenia Kim Sophie Satin Cloche, $215, available at Neimanmarcus.com)

Finally, the dress. The loose, drop waist cut, in a casual jersey is such a great, casual dress that can work in all weather and with any accessories. Dress it up with a pair of heels, or sing and dance in the rain with it by adding your rain boots and trench. (Twenty8Twelve Alice Tank Dress, $195, available at shopbop.com)

Rachel Bilson, Rain or Shine

I adored her as Summer on The OC for four years, watching her character grow and mature. For the same amount of time, I have been obsessed with watching her own personal style grow. I think it's safe to say that Rachel Bilson is now a certified style icon. She gets it right, time and time again. Since the majority of the country is experiencing sunshine (along with some strong winds in the Midwest) and California and the South are gonna be hit with some rain, I thought I would show Rachel Bilson's range, so you can pull inspiration from her looks, no matter what your weather. 

If you're lucky enough for a warm, sunny day, Bilson gets it so right with her tight black tank and belted, high-waisted jeans. She keeps accessories minimal with a black bag and her favorite Wayfarer. 

If you have a light breeze, try this casual look from Bilson. Skinny jeans and Converse with a loose white tank and a loose scarf to help keep off the chill.

If bare arms aren't an option, this basic legging/tunic combo looks fresh in all black and a loose cardigan and boots.

Chillier still? This dark wash denim and navy tank combo is such a chic look. Add a natural, leather jacket and studded boots and a slouchy bag and you're good to go. 

For those of you unfortunate enough to have rain and other poor weather elements, try Rachel's most bundled up look. She pairs tight, black jeans with a looser white top and black jacket. The scarf is light and pastel-y and helps balance out the tough studded heels and black leather gloves. 

All Good Things Must Come To An End

So after great consideration, I have decided to stop blogging. It's just been taking too much time from my homework and such here at school. I hope all my readers continue to explore other blogs, as there are some great ones out there...

APRIL FOOLS!

don't worry y'all I'll resume posting tomorrow!

Celebrity Fit Club

So three months into the year  and my New Year's resolutions are but a slip of paper buried in the second drawer of my desk. While my list was compiled with my best friend and many of them are uniquely ours, I feel like my main resolution is shared with the majority of anyone who made resolutions: eat healthier and workout more. Unfortunately after the initial surge of workout classes and motivation my gym membership is merely a piece of paper shoved in my wallet between gift cards and old receipts. 

But, with summer around the corner I'm trying to change that and revamp the resolution! But being the fashion minded person I am, I decided that the best way to get myself to the gym is the motivation of cute workout attire. Why not look great while in the process of making yourself look better! Here are five different celeb workout styles. Where do you fit in?

These girls are serious about their workouts. No fuss here. Simple black pants and tight tops. Katie Holmes ran the New York marathon and looks the part in tight black pants, a purple tank top and a light black jacket with a no fuss baseball cap. Kate Hudson whips out her black Under Armour shorts and a tight grey tank for her workout. With serious sneakers, her ipod on her arm, and a low key pony tail she's not playing around. Sophie Monk keeps her tight workout gear all black, while Nicky Hilton balances her look with a loose white tee (and a large water bottle!).

If this is your style, check out UnderArmour.com and Nike.com
Cameron Diaz and Kate Hudson know they got it, and are going to flaunt it. I mean, why not. Cameron Diaz's preferred look is low rising dance pants that fold over (much like Hard Tails popular cut) and cropped hoodies. Kate Hudson, varies her look. While I showed her above in a much tighter ensemble, she tends to favor loose shapes, then bares her fit tummy or fabulous legs. 

If this is your style, check out hardtailforever.com 
The third celebrity fit look is the laid back look, perfect for yoga classes and hiking. This is definitely where I tend to fit in. Nicole Richie has mastered the look from a cute green shorts and hoodie combo to a sleek, but loose black tank and sweats. Kate Hudson, not to be left out of this category, covers up in this loose white tank and sweat pant look. 

Good places to go for gear like this is Soffe.com and americanapparelstore.com
I also tend to fit into this category. I hardly have time to workout, okay... so I just don't feel like leaving my apartment once I've settled down and finished classes for the day. Therefor, if I'm going to workout I HAVE to do it in between classes. This means I have to find an outfit that is functional both in and out of the gym, and is appropriate in the classroom. These ladies have found that perfect balance and are ready to fit in their workout while running errands. Nicole Richie once again keeps it laid back, but looser, favoring Free City sweats (a favorite of mine!) and plain black counterparts. Drew Barrymore heads to yoga in a basic grey shirt and black pants, perfect for running errands before or after. Kirsten Dunst looks equally chic and athletic in her black tights, loose raglan, scarf and high tops. And Finally, Sophie Monk once again gets it right in loose white pants and a striped sweater. 

If this is a look you like, go to freecitysupershop.com or once again americanapparelstore.com
Now these girls got it all wrong. It's one thing to look good while working out, it's another to get all glammed up. I'm not sure what's up with Paris' fascination with fingerless gloves first in green and then black, or what's up with wearing massive glasses while working out inside, the sparkly tank for a bike ride wasn't a great choice either. Then there are the girls from High School Musical, with their hair done and over accessorized, they look more like they're getting ready to go lift some shopping bags rather than weights. 

While Paris' take on this look isn't a something I would recommend, if you want to glam it up a bit, check out the over the top (but cool) sportswear from edhardyshop.com

Hope this helps you all renew your resolutions! I know I'm ready to workout! 

How To

I have just returned from an early screening of the movie "21" which was AMAZING. Everyone must go see it when it comes out Friday, really a great film. Check out the trailer:

21 Trailer

So awhile ago I was given a request to give suggestions on how to wear those tricky, yet popular, pencil skirts. A pencil skirt should sit on your true waist, bordering on (or actually) high waisted. While you can wear ones slung low on your hips like Ashley Olsen in the first picture, it's tricky and not nearly as versatile. Let's look at the celebrities that are rocking these skirts.

Ashley O goes punky in all black and by adding the leather jacket. Also, by wearing the skirt on her hips it gives it a much more casual look. Victoria Beckham was the only one not in a black version of this skirt and paired it with a tight, tucked in shirt. However, looser blouses tend to work better, creating a less severe look like America Ferrara's tucked in, turquoise modern take and Angelina Jolie's belted version. 

Let's take it step by step. 
1. Start with a skirt that hits at your waist to get the most milage and chicest look. Black is also a good basic color to get it in, since it is a basic piece. The skirt should hit right above the knee, too short and you loose the look, too long and you risk looking like you're drowning in it. (Thread Social, $414 available at shopbop.com)

2.  Choose a loose, flowy blouse. These are best tucked in and help balance out the straightness of the bottom piece.  (all tops from shopbop.com)

3. Belting your skirt also helps pull in this uber feminine piece. Also, like Angelina Jolie's look, if you don't tuck in your shirt, belting it on top works nicely as well. 

hope this helped! I would love to see how you guys pull it off so send pictures if you want! and remember, if you have any questions or suggestions just leave a comment! have a good day everyone!

Spring Is Taking It's Time

So returning to the lingering winter of Illinois has not agreed with me very well. On top of being sick, I miss the ability to throw on a t-shirt and shorts and show off my pedicure. After falling into a quick slump of sweatpants and mismatched sweatshirts with the sole intention to stay warm, I thought I would go through some of my favorite winter looks from the Sartorialist for inspiration. That and downing Halls and honey drenched teas in an attempt to get my coughed-raw voice back. 

But first, I want to share something that certainly brightened my day and is probably one of the coolest things I've heard in awhile. Whether you're a fan of Foo Fighters or Guns N' Roses, both or neither, I think you'll really enjoy this mash up. For those of you who aren't familiar with "mash ups", a dj takes two different songs from different bands (often polar opposites) and mash them together to create a new song. the song is kind of long but it's really worth listening to the entire thing, the video is unnecessary to watch (so you can go about your work while simply listening) but helpful if you aren't too familiar with the two songs and want to see what part is which band. This is my favorite one to date, so enjoy:

Foo Fighters/ Guns N' Roses mash up

And now on to the fashion!

The Sartorialist is known for his sharp eye on the streets of New York and at various fashion weeks. (If you don't already you should make thesartorialist.blogspot.com a daily read) These photos I've saved over the last few months showcase impeccable tailoring, clean black pieces, tight pants, big jackets, and even bigger scarfs. So until that warm weather rolls around take some cues from these well dressed men and women to keep your days fashionable and warm!  

photos from thesartorialist.blogspot.com

Santa Barbara Beaches

So I'm not enjoying the cold nearly as much as those Santa Barbara beaches. So instead of focusing on the dreary end-of-winter, I'm choosing to remanise about my time spent with Gina and Devon over spring break. Pulling from their laid-back, easy-going style, I present to you Santa Barbara Style.

Strappy, earthy, flat sandals were a clear staple. These sandals with muted tones and leathers were the day time shoe of choice. These shoes not only looked chic on the streets but were right at home amongst the sandy shores. (From top to bottom: Joie Shoes Cabaret Flat Tie Sandal. $245. Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Shoes Hana Hologram Flat Thong Sandal. $230. Chie Mihara Shoes Jade Suede Banded Flat Sandal. $315. All available at shopbop.com)

Loose, breezy dresses were also favored by Devon and Gina. They kept it simple in black and white, adding fun patterned and colored layers. These mid-length dresses looked perfect walking and twirling along the coast. The dresses I picked kept that simple, light weight vibe. (Diana  von Furstenberg Ora Cover-Up. $255. Ella Moss Cecilia Tie String Dress. $185. Both available at shopbop.com)
At night, colored suede was favored footwear and low, soft, flat boots. Not resorting to heels to dress up for the night kept with the laid back style and attitude that was so prevalent. To complete the look, these girls knew how to keep it simple with a few basic, earthy pieces of jewelry. (Counter-clockwise: Jeffrey Campbell Fringe Moccasin. $68. Available at UrbanOutfitters.com, Joie Shoes Agatha Suede Boot. $375. Available at shopbop.com, La Mer Spring Garden Watch. $95. urbanoutfitters.com, Erica Weiner Necklace Collection Birdcage. $34. urbanoutfitters.com, BDG On The Road Vest.$48. urbanoutfitters.com, Helen Ficolara Peace Sign Charm. $55. shopbop.com)