Design Camp

This Sunday (bright and early) I will be flying out to Kolding, Denmark for a Design Camp hosted by the university there. We will be discussing sustainability and environmental transportation options. While my background is in fashion I love learning about what is being done in other industries and believe some of the best ideas can come from people a little removed from the situation. While I am not looking forward to leaving my flat at 3:30am, I think it will be a great 2 week adventure! I will update with what it is all about!

Transition

This is by far my favorite idea for an outfit. Comfortable yet stylish. And it transitions through the seasons (just add leggings or tights). I love loose looks that have a little femininity (the dress) and style (the shoes) added to them. So easy to do to! Wake up tired? Through on a cute dress and a comfy sweatshirt or jumper over top.

Simply Put Together

Have you ever been in that spot where you look at someone who looks undone, yet at the same time looks, in some way, looks glamourous? I notice it all the time and am normally jealous of the look. But I realize now that I think it has to do with style. When a person has style, and I don't mean just follows fashion, it will come through in everything they wear. They have favorite sweaters, accessories, or shoes that are typically unique to them, and even if they aren't the way they where them is. I used to aspire to fashion, but lately I just aspire to timeless style. This is what this image makes me think of.

Cut-off shirt

Yesterday my husband came home on his bike wearing a make-shift ski-band. Being a student of sustainable fashion I was both impressed and curious and I couldn't argue with the money saving aspect either. "What did you make that out of?" "An old t-shirt I never wear" And then I started getting nervously curious because it was that dark heather grey color and the only shirts I could think of that color I happen to really like, most particularly I recalled the one he had worn to bed a few nights before that I had bought him in Las Vegas my first time there. While he hadn't worn in public for a while I for some reason still really like it, and I know it wasn't cheap. Upon asking him if this was the shirt he cut up he said, "no, it was a different one that I never wear." A little relieved, but still curious and continued to pry and got no answer. The next day while doing the wash I came across that shirt I had gotten him in Vegas, without one sleeve. I kind of laughed realizing he had obviously quickly picked up on the fact I liked that shirt, but none the less couldn't stop myself from bringing it up. He of course pointed out the obvious that he hadn't worn it out in a long time and it was both money-saving and sustainable and I realized I really didn't have anything to argue over. Nicely though he agreed that next time he cuts up a shirt he will ask me if I like it first.
After all this I just came across this image on Garance Dore and thought, hey, it must be meant to be (well, once I cut off the other sleeve)!

Cardigans, blazers, and anything warm.

I am a cold person. Always. Even when it is hot outside, if a breeze comes - I will be cold. I think this is why I love cardigans, blazers, jackers... really anything that layers...  The perfect layer that goes from season to season.

Leopard Print

I have always LOVED animal prints. Especially leopard print. I think it may have something to do with my obsession with cats that has grown from childhood. While the media will tell us that animal prints go in and  out of style, I disagree. Because personal style never goes out of style and if you like animal prints they will always work on you. I can't deny being excited by all the pieces I see in stores and on the streets though. :)

Riding on my Bicycle

I love biking. It is quick and easy for getting around and allows me to get some daily exercise. I made a realization the other day though; I am not a stylist cyclist. I constantly look at pictures and people who have such style on their bikes but I just can't do it. Why? I live nearly 8 miles from the center of the city (and anywhere I go on a normal basis) so getting them requires a bit of extra work meaning no matter what, I tend to get sweaty. And lets face it, no matter what you are wearing that is not cute. Therefore when you see me on my bike I am wearing exercise clothing with a bag attached to my pannier rack that contains my cute outfit for the day.

Fashion isn't just about shopping

A lot of people consider the idea of sustainable fashion contradictory, but I don't. Fashion is a great way to express yourself, it is a form of art and individualization as well as acculturation. A simple and great way to show who we are. Today people are confusing fashion and consumption. In the 1960s when Breakfast at Tiffany's came out Holly Golightly would go to Tiffany's to get that feeling of happiness and pleasure many of us still get from shopping, but when she did it she didn't buy anything. Now, rather than window shopping and daydreaming (and then returning home to create inspired ensembles) we go to Primark or Target or some other high street store and buy a variety of cheap clothing we will wear a couple times. This isn't fashion, it's consumption.
I am not saying I don't think people should shop. Those close to me know I shop more than a lot of people (although I am really trying to cut back). I just think we should shop for ideas, inspiration, and key pieces that we can relate to and will cherish. I have jewelry and accessories I have gotten from my grandmother and great grandmother that represent more to me than I can express, but when I think of why I know it is because of their history and the value they must of held to be passed down generations. Then I think to my own closet, what do I have that I hope future generations will want and love? Well, the answer is a lot less than I would want it to be.
There are a lot of things going on in the world right now that are bigger problems than the fashion industry and it's waste (wars, global warming, increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, oil dependency, the list goes on), but for many of us those problems are too big to do anything about in our daily lives. We don't wake up in the morning thinking, 'what can I do about war?' (Although if you do - good for you.) But it is easy for us to go through the day and make decisions not to buy things that don't mean anything to us. Simple right? And a great place to start being considerate about or impact on the environment and others. Or, even if you don't yet understand that connection, it is a great place to start discovering what is truly important to you in life.

InspHAIRation

Lately I have really been wanting to do something different with my hair. It is just getting bland to me. I couldn't decide though if I should cut it or dye it. Everyone tells me not to do either, especially not to color it because my natural red is quite nice. But it will come back once the dye rinses out! Here are some hair styles I think look great.

Lindsey Lohan for Vanity Fair. You can tell they actually just tucked her hair up to create the illusion of short. Maybe I should do that without actually cutting it? I love the 50s inspired waves.

Simple. Casual.

Color inspiration? (This is actually close to the shade of red I ended up dying it!)

I love head bands! So many ways to wear them and they always look great!

I really like this look. Maybe I should cut it? Nah. Not yet!

the midriff

I have always liked the midriff. As it has come and gone in fashion I have consistently been excited when it comes back. Less risky than cleavage or too much leg and allows you to show a naturally thin part of your body. Who doesn't love that? While I hadn't seen a ton of the loose cropped shirts in the states I see more and more here in London and I love it. I had one gorgeously sequined cropped tank before I got here but am excited to say I just bought two more wonderful cropped tops. If I had brought more comfy t-shirts with in the move I would have cut-off some baggy old ones (my boyfriends old guinness shirt comes to mind) but unfortunately they are still in Minnesota. A las, TopShop and Urban Outfitters have plenty to pick from.
I love the bras under sheer tops too, but believe this look is reserved for girls with smaller chest.

Remembering some last season inspirations

These are some old inspiration photos I love. The red blazer inspired me to pull out my old red blazer from our costume box and over-the-knee socks are great for cool summer and spring days! And this take on a jean skirt is chic and fashion forward, not jr. high Hollister wear.

Boots, shoes, sneakers,and summertime

In the States in the summer I always wear strappy sandals with nicely painted nails, but with the temperate weather in London I finally fully understand the boots and closed-toed shoes look. No one wants cold feet! Some of my favorites are cowboy boots and Toms (give back while you look good!) and of course saddle shoes. If you like extra height though the chunky platform heels are very stylish right now and they are easier to walk in than thinner heels on cobblestone streets.

A Scarf by Another Name

As I read blogs daily I love the spreading trend of scarfs as headbands. For a less extreme approach a thick headband can be used. Worn over natural messy or beachy hair this trend can make a simple summer outfit, or even a swimsuit, more fashion forward.

10 Must Have Basics for this year (half of which I forgot in the States)

1. Hats.

All sorts of hats work, I am particular to fedoras because they work for all seasons and flatter all face types. They also work well if your hair is done nicely down or thrown up in a loose messy bun. This spread is for 2007 in the New York Times, shows that some trends don't change toooo fast.

2. Denim jean jacket or a military jacket.

Especially in a temperamental city like London these pieces are a must. I love the way this women layered it for colder weather! Jean Jackets come and go in style as does their fit, but my favorite is always a men's fit because you really can thrown it on over anything.

3. Blazers.

Alternative to the jean jacket, a little more dressy but still street chic.

4. Harem pants.

They were huge when I was in Spain the summer of 2007. I remember thinking, 'this trend will never hit the U.S. Well, I don't know if it has since I moved to England, but I can tell you I own some and love them.

5. Denim cutoffs, especially old Levi's.

Work in the summer by themselves or in the winter with tights.

6. Cut-outs on shirts or dresses. Show off a bit of the back or the ribs. If done right this can be very flattering of your best under-represented features.

7. Good Sunglasses. I have spent years with countless pairs of cheap sunglasses, it never feels as good as a few good ones. I am particular to Ray Ban although I have a pair of white Prada shades perfect for summer holidays and bought a pair of Dolce & Gabbana for my hubby. They are all worth the one-time expense!

8. Over-stated vintage jewelry. I have this lion necklace at home (I forgot it in the U.S.!) as well as a huge metal Model T both of which used to be my moms.

9. Reusable Bags and not just for looks - actually use them! I know it is a trendy topic right now, but my hope is that people will slowly start to understand what we are actually doing to our environment. I don't mean just buying them and using them as a purse, keep them with you and stop getting plastic bags! If you do get plastic bags though reuse them! They can be trash bags, lunch bags, many of them even suggest how to use them printed on the side!

10. A good book - not just a beach read, or a newspaper. Nothing looks better than someone who knows how to dress and also cares about what is going on in the world.

Mixing vintage jewelry, Designer sunnies, and a trendy top? Perfect look any day!