some people are born fashionistas, the rest of us just need a little help
I just finished going through all of the comments I’ve gotten recently. I love that there are people checking out the blog and sharing their thoughts. I highly encourage it! Keep up the comments, thoughts, suggestions and insights.
Ok, now on to another trend alert. When I was looking into trends for 2009, I was pleased to discover that blazers were making a comeback on the trend scene. Now don’t get me wrong, blazers have been around for years. They started out as something men would wear and eventually seeped into the closets of ladies as well. So they haven’t ever actually left but it’s great to see them on the list of trends for 2009.
I love the way a good blazer can make an outfit look instantly more polished and pulled together. I used to stay away from them personally because I’m a bit top heavy and I have a hard time with clothes that button down the front. I get that annoying buckle effect and I think that makes the piece of clothing look too small even if it isn’t. However, I am going to take the leap and join the rest of the ladies wearing blazers. The great thing about blazers is that they come in so many different fabrics so you can own more than one and achieve a separate type of look with each one.
Ok this is what I’m going to do. I’m going to go out there and find a few blazers and put together a few different blazer looks and post those pictures for you to see. Now, I’m not a stylist by any means and I don’t consider myself a trendy person (I am a Clueless Fashionista) but I will use this exercise to broaden my ability to put together pieces.
I challenge you to do the same thing. Get a blazer or two and put together a few different looks. I’d love to feature your looks as well as mine. Once you get the pictures together, send me a message and I will send you an email about where to send the pictures. I have to keep my email addresses away from the spammers so I won’t post it here.
So good luck with the blazer project and I look forward to seeing your pictures!
A trend that become popular among celebrities late last year was the boyfriend jean. In case you’re not familiar, boyfriend jeans are those jeans that are kind of loose and typically look as if you are wearing men’s jeans. Here is a picture for a reference.
Boyfriend Jeans
As you can see, these jeans are very loose fitting and comfortable looking. Well late last year Katie Holmes was spotted wearing them with a tight cuff in the leg and people were loving the look. Honestly, many women have been wearing boyfriend jeans for years now but they never really had a name. Now that they do, they’re a trend for 2009. This is a trend I can totally support for a few reasons.
1. They’re jeans. I love blue jeans and at one point had about 25 pair. That number has since dwindled but I am working on increasing my collection.
2. They’re loose. Throwing on a pair of great fitting jeans that hug your curves is great but sometimes you don’t want your curves hugged but you still want to look polished. Boyfriend jeans are great for that.
3. They’re jeans. Did I mention that I love blue jeans?
Ok, enough of my reasons for why these are great. If you want to work this trend into your wardrobe, please keep some things in mind.
1. Fit is key. Loose doesn’t mean ill fitting. Make sure the jeans are the proper size so that they compliment your body type. When you go buy some, try them on and make full use of the full length mirror. If in doubt, ask a sales person or take a trusted friend with you. Don’t walk around in too big jeans calling them boyfriend jeans. These jeans can be loose but still fit well.
2. Wash is important. I’m a firm believer that dark washed jeans are the most flattering for all figures across the board. With that in mind, it is possible to wear a lighter wash and still look polished, however be careful with washes that fade in and out in designs. When you try on the jeans, make sure that the wash is one that flatters your figure along with the fit. In recent years, jeans designers have started doing interesting things with the color on a jean where it fades in and out in various places. This doesn’t look good on everyone so once again, use that full length mirror.
3. Buy women’s jeans. Even though these are called boyfriend jeans, you shouldn’t look for a shortcut and buy men’s jeans. I strongly caution against that because men’s jeans are cut differently. As women we have curves that men don’t have. Even if you aren’t a very curvy woman, your body is still shaped differently than a man’s. Buying men’s jeans is not something I would suggest because it could go against suggestion 1. Stick with women’s jeans for optimal fit.
I plan on taking full advantage of this trend in 2009. I’m going to make it a point to add a pair (or two) of boyfriend jeans to my current collection. I suggest you do too. But then again, I’m very biased as I LOVE blue jeans. Any questions about this trend? Send me an email or a comment. Any pictures of you rocking this trend? Send me a picture. I’d love to see it and post it.
One of the trends on tap for this year is the jewel encrusted trend. I know, I know. When you hear jewel encrusted, you may automatically think bedazzled or tacky rhinestones on everything but that’s not always the case. You can wear jewel encrusted clothing without looking like you were attacked by a glue gun.
1. Shoes. One great way to incorporate the jewel encrusted trend is by wearing a great pair of sparkle enhanced shoes. As shoes become more glamorous, things like rhinestones and other sparkly studs are starting to make a strong appearance.
2. Hair accessories. Another way to incorporate the jewel encrusted trend is by wearing sparkly hair accessories. If you don’t want to be overwhelmed by jewels, putting them in your hair is a good way to do it in small doses.
3. Earrings. You can never go wrong with a great pair of sparkly earrings. It may seem like a bit of a cop out in the jewel encrusted trend, but for those more conservative Clueless Fashionistas may benefit from an extra bit of sparkle. Don’t be afraid of a little shine!
4. Accessories. Jewel encrusted belts and purses are another way to observe this trend. It’s a great way to add an extra bit of flavor to a basic outfit without feeling overdone.
These are just a few ways you can participate in the jewel encrusted trend. For those of you that are a bit more adventurous, you can always throw on a jewel encrusted shirt or jacket. From there, the sky’s the limit!
Last year I decided to look forward rather than back and made a list of the trends that will be coming up in 2009. Now that we’re in 2009, I figure it’s time to start incorporating those trends. I also realized that everyone may not know how to do this so the “How do I wear that trend…” series is back up and running. The first trend that I mentioned for 2009 was sheer clothing. I know that some of you that are a bit more conservative may have written this trend off before even considering it but you don’t have to. It is possible to take part in the sheer trend without walking around showing off your underwear. Actually, I advise against doing that anyway.
The best way to do the sheer thing is to find items that aren’t completely see through but have sheer fabric incorporated in the clothes. For example, you could take a shirt that is sheer and layer a non sheer shirt, jacket or sweater over it. This way the sheer item shows but it doesn’t show all of you and it can be very tasteful and fun. Below are some pictures of different ways to wear sheer clothing. If you’ve dabbled in the trend, send me your pics and I will post them as well. I’d love to feature some sheer-in-action shots!
Sheer top layered over a white dress from http://www.fabsugar.com/1135132
White sheer shirt and black skirt from http://parisparfait.typepad.com/paris_parfait/ma_famille/
Sheer shirt layered under a cropped sweater and over a black cami from http://whatiwore2day.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html
These are just to give you some general ideas of what you can do with sheer clothes without being overexposed. Enjoy!
I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season, whichever holiday you celebrate. I also hope that everyone in the cities that have had the extreme weather is doing ok as well.
We are closing out another year. 2008 has been an interesting year in so many ways. The fashion trends of this past year have been an interesting mix of things from bold colors to western themed wear. I hope you had an opportunity to incorporate some of the fashion trends of 2008 into your wardrobe. I’d love to see pictures if you have any. It would be fun to do a fashion year in review featuring some of my fellow Clueless Fashionistas. Feel free to send any pictures to info at cluelessfashionista dot com (it’s spelled out to prevent the spammers from getting a hold of it).
Well as we move into 2009, I have compiled a list of fashion trends that we can look forward to for the upcoming year. I will continue the “How do I wear that trend” feature to give you tips on how to wear next season’s trends but this is just a glimpse into what you can look forward to. Enjoy.
1. Sheer fabric
White sheer shirt and black skirt from http://parisparfait.typepad.com/paris_parfait/ma_famille/
2. Jewel encrusted clothing
Jewel encrusted shirt with skirt from http://missy-j.blogspot.com/2005_02_01_missy-j_archive.html
3. Statement Jewelry
Large Earrings, Necklace and Bracelet from http://www.bradbarwick.com/projects.asp
4. Boyfriend Jeans
Boyfriend Jeans from http://luxepetite.wordpress.com/2007/11/
5. Blazers
Blazers from http://fashiontechnews.blogspot.com/2008/01/balenciaga-blazers-lookalikes.html
6. Bold colors
Bold, bright colors from http://www.myfashionlife.com/archives/2007/10/18/trends-bright-shades/
7. Layering
Great layered look from http://www.fasshonaburu.com/2006/11/button-down-tee-in-one.html
8. Leggings
Legging styles for different ages from http://www.denverpost.com/lifestyles/ci_4506734
9. Pearls
Pearls from http://landminedesign.org/midterm/visualArts/visualArts_bw.htm
10. Shift dresses (made trendy by our new first lady, Michelle Obama)
Great, red shift dress from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-402994/Dress-code--key-shapes-new-season.html
Look forward to tips on how to wear these great trends in the “How do I wear that trend” feature. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some of these trends out and send me a picture. If you’ve found a way to wear these trends, send me a picture.
The other day I found a pair of pants that were from another time in my life. It was a time when I was a few sizes smaller. I was curious about them and how they managed to stay in my closet because I am very good at getting rid of clothes that don’t fit or compliment me. Well I tried the pants on and they fit. Surprise, Surprise. Actually let me make a correction here. The pants didn’t fit in the sense of how I like my clothes to fit but I was able to get them up and on me and even button them.
Now I could have very easily thrown on a shirt and headed out the door for the day because technically I was dressed. I was covered and the pants buttoned fairly easily. I didn’t have to struggle at all. However, there was one MAJOR issue with me wearing these pants. They did not flatter my figure at all. They fit very snugly which wasn’t positive for those particular type of pants. Also, they created the dreaded muffin top that I addressed in this post http://cluelessfashionista.com/2008/05/25/no-more-muffins-ladiesand-gents/. I hate muffin tops and I do everything in my power to not be an offender so I decided to take the pants off. Besides they were going directly against the tips I laid out in this post http://cluelessfashionista.com/2008/07/29/10-ways-to-stop-muffin-tops/.
As I removed the pants and folded them up to put in my “giveaway” bag, I realized that many women tend to buy or wear clothes of a certain size just because they can put the clothes on and button or zip them up. This is the wrong way to go about things. While I agree that fashion is about expression, when you wear ill fitting clothes, you express that you don’t care enough about your appearance to wear clothes that fit. And by fit, I mean clothes that not only button or zip but also flatter your figure and enhance your appearance. I realize that many women are possibly wearing a size larger than what they would prefer but that doesn’t mean you should squeeze into the smaller size to make yourself feel better. You will only make yourself look bad and most likely be uncomfortable.
As you go through your closet and pull out those cold weather clothes or browse the stores to shop, keep this in mind. If you find that the size you normally wear doesn’t fit as smoothly as they should, go up a size. It’s ok. No one is going to stop you in the street and demand that you show them your pants size and then point and laugh. You’re the only one who has to know your size. Fashion isn’t about size, it’s about proper fit and making you look your best. Wearing clothes that just fit and don’t flatter won’t make you look your best.
Cynthia Nellis over at About.com wrote a great article about holiday fashion mistakes that I wanted to share with you. As the holiday parties start to pile up, we need to be aware of the mistakes we should try not to make when getting dressed. Enjoy and take note!
http://fashion.about.com/od/holiday/a/holidaymistakes.htm?nl=1
Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to work as a dresser at the famously infamous Victoria’s Secret fashion show. The show was held at this fabulous hotel called Fontainebleu in Miami Beach. My weekend was aptly filled with beautiful and highly fashionable people.
I quickly noticed a new fashion trend being worn by different ladies. They had on these super cute black lame leggings. I mentioned them and discovered that they could be purchased at American Apparel. I was excited about going and trying them on to see how they would look on me. I mentioned this to my friend and she shook her head and told me that I wasn’t allowed to do that. See, I am not petite by any means. I’m 5’5 and larger than a size 6. I also have big, athletic looking legs. It’s entirely possible that those pants will look extra crazy on me and I appreciate my friend for bringing me back to reality. Now I may sneak and try them on anyway but I already know it’s probably not a good idea to buy them and wear them in public. However, I am all over the skinny jeans…
But I digress. The moral to my story is that we should never be a slave to fashion. Just because something is fashionable and looks great on one person, doesn’t mean it will look great on you. Case in point, there was a woman that decided to jump on the legging bandwagon and she looked really bad. The leggings didn’t compliment her in any way. Now if she had friends like mine, she wouldn’t have been allowed to purchase and wear them.
Fashion is supposed to be fun and creative but it should also be realistic. There are some great trends out there right now that we all can indulge in. For example, the purple trend is open to everyone. Purple is a great color that works on every skin tone, especially since it comes in so many different shades. Just because something is fashionable, doesn’t mean everyone can wear it. When you want to experiment with fashion, do it in a store dressing room. Make sure you have an honest friend with you. Also make sure there is a three way mirror near by. If you look at yourself in the trendy garment and it doesn’t look good all around, don’t buy it. Leave it in the store and find another trend to try. There are so many fashion trends out there that you are bound to find one that looks great on you.
And for those of you who can wear the leggings, here is a picture of the ones I think are uber cute along with a link. Enjoy!
Shiny Leggings from American Apparel
Another great trend that I noticed for the fall is the trend toward deep, rich jewel toned clothes. If you’re not sure what a jewel tone is, think of deep, rich colors like burgandies, bright blues, purple, dark turquoise, scarlet, deep fuschia, hunter green, etc. The great thing about jewel tones is that they look great on almost anyone. However, I do understand that there are you ladies out there that stick to the basics. You either do all black or you do all neutrals. Well here are some ways you can incorporate jewel tones into your wardrobe.
If you wear a lot of black:
Now don’t get me wrong, black is a very chic color. It makes you look slimmer and very sophisticated. However, if you don’t inject some color into your wardrobe, you will start to look drab and washed out. So jewel tones are a great way to inject that color without overdoing it. Because jewel tones are deep colors, you can add them to your dark wardrobe and not feel overwhelmed. Take things slowly by starting with jewel toned jewelry and accessories. Once you feel more daring, you can start wearing jewel toned shirts and jackets and then go from there.
If you wear a lot of neutrals:
Neutrals are very easy to wear. You don’t stand out too much but you can still look polished and pulled together. However, wearing a lot of neutral can become boring after a while. It is very easy to inject jewel tones into a neutral wardrobe palatte without stepping too far outside of your comfort zone. Burnt orange, deep yellow and dark reds are great ways to spice up a neutral wardrobe. As I like to suggest, you can start out with jewelry and accessories. Once you realize how great these colors are, you can move into pieces of clothing.
If you wear a lot of bright colors:
As I was typing this, I realized that there are some people that enjoy standing out. They enjoy walking into a room and lighting it up, even if it’s with their outfit. Bright colors are great. They’re a great way to spice things up, but wardrobes should offer variety. If you’re accustomed to wearing bright, show stopping colors, it may be hard to move into jewel tones. In this case, you may want to jump in with both feet. You should look into finding dresses with a great cut but in a darker, jewel tone. Also, you can mix and match jewel tones with bright colors in a similar color family. You will be surprised at how a great jewel tone can make you stand out just as much as a great bright color.
As the weather gets cooler, our wardrobes should change to reflect the changing seasons. Deeper, richer colors are one of the great things about fall and winter. Enjoy them. Feel free to experiment. Fashion is all about experimentation.
western wear on the runway
One interesting trend I noticed for the fall is the western trend. I’ve never been a big fan of the whole western thing but when I saw it on the runways, I realized that there is a way to do it without looking like you have a costume on. It’s all about moderation. Here’s a picture from www.sassychic.com showing the western trend.
It looks quite chic and cute so I figured it is definitely something that you can start incorporating into your wardrobe if you’d like. There are a few great ways you can do the western trend.
1. Western themed jewelry. You can spice up a basic outfit with a piece of jewelry that has a western theme and give your outfit an extra pop. Plus it’s an easy way to ease into the trend slowly.
2. A great pair of boots. The western boots are another great way to slowly incorporate the western trend into your wardrobe. Plus a nice pair of western boots are really cool.
3. Plaid shirts. A plaid shirt that is tailored to fit you and not loose and baggy is another cool way to do the western thing. If you find a plaid shirt that makes you look more grunge than western, get a different size or take it to a tailor.
Now there are other ways to do the western trend and really make it work for you. However, you want to make sure you don’t look like you’re wearing a costume. The key to being trendy is to do it in moderation.
I’m a writer and blogger that works in television and film production. I am a Clueless Fashionista dedicated to making fashion fun and easy to understand. If you’d like to learn more about me, visit my website www.ashiasims.com.
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