Style Secrets: Debra Goldstein & Olivia Baniuszewicz

Dolls, it is no surprise that, when seeking the perfect BFF, we expect the contenders to embody two very important prerequisites – the willingness to provide us with boy advice in the wee hours of the night when we are on the verge of tearing our lustrous locks directly out of our heads, or simply plagued with the urge to scream at the top of our lungs or punch a pillow out of frustration; and the ability to help us choose entire ensembles that will flatter our forms, accentuate our amazing physical qualities, and keep us looking fabulous regardless of the situation at hand. It is these two very elements which serve as the backbone to blissful bonds in the gal pal department. And I have found two individuals who possess both traits, and then some, in the form of Debra Goldstein and Olivia Baniuszewicz.

Regardless of whether you’ve actually met them or not, Debra and Olivia are a twosome who will forever be your BFF’s. As the authors of the revolutionary book Flirtexting: How to Text Your Way to His Heart, a pretty in pink dating guide that is incredibly indispensable if I do say so myself; Debra and Olivia are full of boy advice that they have no problem proffering at the drop of a hat. But their knowledge does not end with boys, and boys alone.

While the techie side of dating is now a large part of their lives; both Debra and Olivia have extensive knowledge of the fashion world. Debra is the founder of Fern Estelle, a styling and personal shopping service, and Olivia is the former account executive for various fashion houses. Together, they have already provided us with the tools we need to break hearts; but now they’ve been so kind as to share a few of their secrets as well – of the style variety, that is!

What is your number one style secret and why?
DG: My number one style secret is no secret at all: Less is more. (Revolutionary, I know.) We've heard it a million times before because it's a trick that really works.

When picking out an outfit, I start by choosing the one piece I want to highlight the most. Whether it's my favorite Miu Miu pumps, a colorful beaded necklace, or a cute new top; I make sure that the rest of my outfit blends, so that that one piece sticks out.

The great thing about dressing this way is that you can make your wardrobe last a lot longer! When I get tired of wearing the same tops and dresses over and over, instead of running to the store to buy more, I just create a new look around a cool necklace or bag. Wearing a classic pair of jeans and a white t-shirt always works and never goes out of style. Add some fun costume jewelry you forgot about, or that cute hat you never wear, and you've got two new outfits that didn't cost a thing!

What is your number one style secret and why?
OB: My style secret is to mix mix mix! Check out things in your closet that are polar opposites, and that you would never think could go together, and explore the unknown. You may be surprised of how insanely awesome this mixed look could be. I sometimes will stare at my closet and play dress up with opposite looks. I geek out when I get a great mix and unveil a brand new outfit – but with the same stuff from my closet.

I suppose the way I dress is the way I think. I don't dress all one designer because I don't think all one-way. My style, like my thoughts, is multi-dimensional. For example, I'll mix designer with H+M; old vintage earrings with a new dress; shiny patent leather shoes with matte skirt; bohemian sweater with classic pencil skirt; solid black dress with pop color shoes; complicated tangled chain necklaces with simple white mini dresses. So next time you feel like you have nothing to wear and need to go spend money on a new look, try mixing it up in your closet first.

Today I think I’ll make like Debra and keep it low-key with a sparkly bib necklace paired with a slouchy KAIN Label Pocket Tee. Tomorrow, however, I’ll be heeding Olivia’s advice and mixing it up with DKNY’s pure DKNY Pleat Front Pants topped with Sauce’s playful Bear Tee. How will you be working Debra and Olivia’s style secrets into your wardrobe, kitty cats?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Micah Jesse and Debra Goldstein for the pictures.


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Style Secrets: Rachel Leigh

A girl never forgets her first designer purchase; remember that, dolls. See that well-coiffed fashionista skipping along the sidewalk, Chanel 2.55 dangling from her dainty wrist; or the skinny jeans wearing hipster whose feet are stuffed into classic black pumps, proudly displaying the signature cherry red sole synonymous with Christian Louboutin? Ask either how they obtained their decadent designer wares, and, without question, a brilliant tale recanting how these pretties came to be in their possession will come tumbling out of their lusciously lacquered lips. As for me, the name Rachel Leigh will forever stand out in my mind, for my very first designer purchase came courtesy of Ms. Leigh via her Romantic Headband.

Darlings, you know I’m not the biggest advocate of impulse buys; but that is precisely how the Romantic Headband came to be in my possession. All it took was one glance upon the delicate, winter white lace constructed headpiece, and I was instantly overwhelmed with whimsical musings of settings wherein such an accessory would stop people in their tracks; which ran the gamut of charming tea parties complete with bow-adorned gloves a la Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland to chic soirees held on Park Avenue involving handsome suitors, and the wardrobe of Cecily von Ziegesar’s Blair Waldorf. And thus, the purchase was made.

So of course I was thrilled to have the chance to discuss style with the lovely Rachel; because just as one never forgets her first designer purchase, it is absolutely impossible to allow the style secrets of the person behind such a gorgeous creation to escape one’s memory!

What is your number one style secret and why?
RL: My style secret is entirely about having confidence (understanding your personal style is part of this) and looking polished.

Regardless of weight or body type, it's about understanding and embracing who you are, dressing to accentuate your assets and conceal your weaknesses and more than anything, carrying yourself with confidence.

Whether your look is feminine, girly, edgy, or tomboy, looking polished is integral to having great style.

I rely on leggings and pants with a skinny-fit to keep myself looking and feeling polished on a daily basis. How do you keep yourself looking polished, darlings? And tell me…what was your first designer purchase?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Rachel Leigh for the picture.


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Style Secrets: Meg Cabot

You can blame her, you know; Meg Cabot that is. After all, she’s the one responsible for my incessant urge to wear dazzling jeweled tiaras wherever I go. Come to think of it, she is accountable for many of the slightly quirky habits I’ve retained from my adolescence, given the fact that much of my formative years were spent holed up in my bedroom, my nose buried deep within books I believed to be written entirely about me, a la The Princess Diaries. Fine, so I lacked the royal title, or the height of Princess Mia; but, at the time, I was a Doc Marten-wearing vegetarian navigating the vile waters of high school algebra who believed that she was my fictional counterpart – as I’m sure many of you did; don’t even try to deny it!

But I digress; darlings, we may not, in all actuality, be Princess Mia (or, for that matter, the plus-sized, ex-pop-star-turned-Assistant-Dormitory-Director-slash-amateur-sleuth Heather Wells of Size 12 Is Not Fat; the Winona Ryder obsessed gossip columnist Melissa Fuller of The Boy Next Door; Em Watts/Nikki Howard, geek-turned-supermodel, of Airhead; or even the glitter loving fourth grader Allie Finkle of Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls), but indulging in the work of Meg Cabot is, and forever will be, synonymous with reading a note from your best friend – one smuggled from hand to hand under the shelter of a wooden school desk scarred with carvings depicting the names of prior students and fellow classmates alike; each minute message full of mysteries meant for your eyes only.

And what do we do with best friends, my loves? Ask them for advice on style, of course! Meg herself has been kind enough to share her number one secret with us!

What is your number one style secret and why?
MC: Wear what makes you feel good, not what other people say is the latest trend. A lot of times what's "in" isn't necessarily right for YOU (Louboutins? The girls on Sex and the City might love them but I've never found a pair I can walk in comfortably. And what's the deal with khakis? I've yet to put on a pair that don't make my butt look gigantic).

Just find what feels good (while still making you look good, of course), even if it means not going with the hottest designer. Who knows? Maybe you'll be the next trendsetter!

You know those fringe boots that so many have cast to the wayside, lovers? I believe that I'll be playing trendsetter by donning them with denim cutoffs - a throwback to the bohemian styles I adore so much. How will you show your trendsetter colors today, kittens?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to The Unquiet Library for the picture.


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Style Secrets: Doe Deere

Darlings, Antoine de Saint-Exupery once said “All grown-ups were children first. (But few of them remember it.)” Luckily for us, Doe Deere is one of the very rare individuals in this world who has not succumbed to such a dreadful fate. As the self-professed Queen of Unicorns, Doe – a New York City-based model, and makeup artist – has built herself a virtual magical kingdom based around whimsy, imagination, and a love of fairytales, in the form of Lime Crime Makeup.

Harboring the tagline “So Bright, It’s Illegal!” Lime Crime is made up of highly-pigmented lip and eye colors (fantastically known as Candyfuture Opaque Lipstick and Magic Dust), all of which feature fanciful monikers such as Circus Girl, Fairy Wings, and Great Pink Planet – hues that electrify ones pasty pallor in mere moments!

Now, despite the fact that Lime Crime products are being sold in shops like Urban Outfitters and Space NK; and the line boasts celebrity fans such as Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, and Regina Spektor, you would think that Doe would be unreachable by her many admirers. You couldn’t be more wrong, my loves! Regardless of her busy schedule, Doe posts daily tutorials and advice on Doe Deere Blogazine; and even took the time to reveal her number one style secret…to us!

What is your number one style secret and why?
DD: My number one style secret is not to be afraid of color. A lot of women today are so used to seeing themselves in neutrals, the minute they throw on something bright they go into color shock. Wearing color is not difficult - it just takes some getting used to! To break out of a color rut, start with small accessories like shoes, gloves and hats. Once you feel a little more comfortable wearing color, expand into skirts, tights, coats, and purses. You have a vibrant personality, why hide it behind boring clothes?

Here's to making the world a brighter place! :D

Today I think I’ll allocate the use of a purple frock that has been collecting dust in my closet. How will your wardrobe make the world a brighter place, kitty cats?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Doe Deere for the picture.


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Style Secrets: Melissa Walker

Kitty cats, long before my discovery of i heart daily (my morning obsession read by the harsh blue glow of the computer screen before the sun has so much as deemed it appropriate to spring into action), I was convinced that IHD co-creator Melissa Walker was the best friend I never had.

As the author of the Violet trilogy (Violet on the Runway, Violet by Design, and Violet In Private) – a book series which I instantly think of whenever I hear Coldplay’s Violet Hill; in addition to having worked as ELLEGirl’s Features Editor, and Editor of Seventeen Prom, I can’t help but to think that Melissa may just be one of the coolest girls on the planet.

Dolls, if you weren’t already aware (though I truly hope you were!), Melissa knows precisely how to be stylish and have fun all at the very same time – case in point, jumping into a pool while wearing a Luella Bartley for Target frock (as seen in the picture above); a dress which not only survived such immersion, but still lives on today. Thus the reason I find it of the utmost importance to learn her number one style secret; and lucky for us, my loves, she was kind enough to share it!

What is your number one style secret and why?
MW: My style secret is just one thing. But in truth, it's hundreds of "one things." What I mean is, whenever I'm going out, I try to wear just one thing that makes me feel special. That could be Bright Coral Lipstick or the perfect clutch or bright blue tights or my grandmother's vintage sweater with a cardigan clip - these are my FAVORITES lately.

Some days I have time for my special thing to be a whole ensemble, but other days it turns out to be electric blue mascara. Because even with a t-shirt and jeans, electric blue mascara can make you feel like a queen. Know what I mean?

Oh, I know exactly what you mean, Melissa! My “one thing” today is my Lola and George Reef Ring. Tell me, darlings…what’s your one thing?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Melissa Walker and Etsy for the pictures.


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Style Secrets: Success at the Sale Rack

“When women are depressed they eat or go shopping. Men invade another country. It’s a whole different way of thinking.”
Elayne Boosler
Never mind the niceties, my loves; they are getting us nowhere fast. Sometimes it is best to be blunt; to speak our minds and unleash our candid sides. And the honest truth when it comes to shopping is that boys are completely clueless.

It is the male mind’s presumption that shopping is a simple hobby, a pleasurable way to spend a Saturday afternoon; and it most certainly can be. But when it comes to the technicalities of shopping a sale, all gratification is cast to the wayside. The uncomplicated truth is that the moment the SALE sign appears in shop windows, stores turn into a brutal battlefield; one that involves lining up in single-file formation outside of Barney’s at the crack of dawn, fighting your way in and out of dressing rooms, and even digging through piles upon piles of Haute Hippie Silk Drawstring Pants hoping against all hope that a size Medium will suddenly materialize and bring victory to your shopping spree – all behaviors synonymous with that seen by soldiers on the front line.

Darlings, finding success at the sale rack does not start the moment you enter the store; rather, it requires preparation for days prior to the sale to ensure that you know exactly what you’re aiming to score during those few adrenaline-pumping hours. Sure, you may still have to stalk the brunette who snagged the last size six pair of Jeffrey Campbell Potion Ankle Boots, keeping your fingers crossed that she’ll change her mind about the purchase, and leave the prize within your reach; and there’s no doubt that you will emerge from the wreckage with a few bumps and bruises courtesy of feisty fashionistas on a mission identical to yours. If you abide by these rules, however, you will unquestionably emerge triumphant. Would I lie to you?

♥Shop the Closet Kitty cats, the sale may not be starting for another two days, but I insist, you’re going shopping right this very minute…in your own closet, that is.

The problem with sales is that everything is so much more affordable than normal, that we feel compelled to stock up on anything that catches our eye. The difficulty with this is, oftentimes, we already own large quantities of the identical item, we just don’t realize it; hence the reason why going shopping in your closet beforehand, as a means of taking inventory, is essential before you so much as begin putting together your I-desperately-need-to-find-it-today-or-else-my-wardrobe-will-be-forever-incomplete list.

“The quickest way to know a woman is to go shopping with her.”
Marcelene Cox
Let’s take a gander, shall we? In your shoe collection lie a full six pairs of black heels; you are the proud owner of three clutches, all showcasing sparkling silver sequins; and it appears that there are no less than four LBD’s peeking out from behind a jumble of dress shirts that could truly do with a good ironing right about now. Dolls, please understand I’m not passing judgment here – simply illustrating the facts. Yes, these are classic pieces that every girl should be in possession of – in moderation, of course. Your mission during the next sale is to steer clear of items you already own, and look for new bits that will spruce up your wardrobe, as opposed to collecting dust in a drawer full of duplicates. After all, who needs another pair of black pumps, when you could go wild with a pair of Alexander Wang’s Natasha Choked Pumps in Leopard?

♥Life Lessons I spotted it just a few short days ago. Haute Hippie’s Sequin Tulle Gown. Now, I wanted nothing more than to whip out my AmEx and charge what I like to think of as the crème de la crème of evening gowns, but I stopped myself – much to my chagrin, of course. Why? It doesn’t fit into my current situation.

When shopping the sale racks, it is of the utmost importance to evaluate your present lifestyle before buying items that cost an arm and a leg – even when deeply discounted – and may spend the next few years locked away in the back of your closet, never offered the chance to see the light of day.

“If men liked shopping they’d call it research.”
Cynthia Nelms
Cocktail dresses are perfect for a highfalutin socialite who spends at least four nights a week at chic soirees, but for the girl on the go who most frequently finds herself styled in leggings and oversized sweaters, it is best to forgo the displays devoted to eveningwear, no matter how much they call your name, and seek out pieces more applicable to your lifestyle. It is better to splurge on something that will be worn countless times, than to merely buy a form of frippery that thrills you, yet is seen only by your very own reflection in your bedroom mirror.

♥Apropos Apparel It’s no surprise that we all want to look our best when headed out for a day of shopping; after all, we want to be looked upon as serious shoppers, and not mistreated by salespeople a la Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. But I digress; one does not need to be dressed to the nines when seeking success at the sale rack. You simply want to choose a style which makes you look comfortably put together, yet ensures resilience so that you can not only try things on quickly, but contort yourself into tiny spaces in order to snag out-of-reach garments – which, believe me, you will be forced to resort to at some point during your little outing.

Your go-to look, if you hadn’t already guessed, is leggings, slightly slouchy short sleeve tees like KAIN Label’s Pocket Tee, flat boots in a fashion like Golden Goose’s Charlye Pull On Boot with Instep Strap, and cross-body bags such as mark’s Biker Bag. Ballerina flats are also an option, but only if you plan on wearing them with socks, or remember to bring a pair of socks with you – you never know when you’ll find a pair of shoes that you desperately want to try on, but are unable to because you left your socks at home!

“Shopping is a woman thing. It's a contact sport like football. Women enjoy the scrimmage, the noisy crowds, the danger of being trampled to death, and the ecstasy of the purchase.”
Erma Bombeck
♥I Spy With My Little Eye Kitty cats, you may not have found that decadent LaROK Safari Sophisticate Blazer in your desired size, but do not give up hope! Elsa Schiaparelli once said “Women dress alike all over the world: they dress to be annoying to other women.” The same way of thinking can be attributed to shopping for clothes.

Let’s be honest here, darlings, females can be catty, especially when it comes to fashion. We will, at times, purposely carry the very last Rebecca Minkoff Love Letter Satchel around a store until we leave, knowing full well that we won’t be buying it, just to make sure someone else cannot scoop it up right before our eyes; we are also guilty of tucking the last size six pair of Frye Veronica Slouch Boots amongst the section which caters to sizes eight through ten. We know its wrong; but sometimes we simply cannot help ourselves from committing such acts of label lust.

With that in mind, however, it is your responsibility to play Sherlock Holmes, and search every possible nook and cranny for your desired item. You may come up empty-handed; but, chances are, you will hit the jackpot, and leave the store with a smug smile plastered on your face!

“A bargain is something you can't use at a price you can't resist.”
Franklin P. Jones
♥Excess Denied The word budget is synonymous with a slow and painful form of torture for the girl looking to buy herself something fabulous; but it is essential to put one in place before you step even a single toe inside that store, if only just to save you from a major headache in the long run.

Sales are the perfect time to let yourself go a little too wild in terms of spending given all of the half-off signs plastered within a ten-foot radius of your person; but they can also be misleading. Yes, the items are on sale; but indulging in too many of them can easily place you in the poorhouse in five seconds flat! Have an idea of what you’re searching for, and how much you’re willing to spend in mind before the big day, and shop accordingly. Remember my loves, there will be other sales, and other items that will tickle your fancy in the future – don’t get caught up in this one alone!

♥For Your Listening Pleasure Darlings, I realize that you are probably a bit stressed just thinking about your impending tango with the sale rack. The main thing you can do right now is clear your mind, and listen to a few songs that will put you in the mood to shop ‘til you drop, and kick your fashion up a notch; thus, a playlist to satisfy your stylish side. Happy listening, my loves!

“I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist.”
Tammy Faye Bakker
♥Fashion - David Bowie
♥Shopping for Clothes - The Coasters
♥Vogue - Madonna
♥Lagerfeld Lady - Fritz Helder & The Phantoms
♥Dedicated Follower of Fashion - The Kinks
♥Boys and Girls - Souvenir D'Italie
♥Glamorous - Fergie
♥Harajuku Girls - Gwen Stefani
♥Red Dress - Sugababes
♥A Perfect Lie - The Engine Room
“If I don't stop shopping, I'll end up a bag lady; a Fendi bag lady, but a bag lady...”
Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It and Tumblr for the pictures.


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Style Secrets: Fabulous in a Flash

“If your sister is in a tearing hurry to go out and cannot catch your eye, she’s wearing your best sweater.”
Pam Brown
Picture the scene…the abhorred alarm begins blaring on Monday morning, and we, in our sleep-induced stupor, make the error of repeatedly banging our Essie Mint Candy Apple adorned fingertips upon the snooze button to allow ourselves a few more moments of beauty rest until we finally muster up the courage to open our eyes – still smudged with Quick Silver Metalliner from the night before, to be sure – only to discover that we have thirty minutes or less to beautify ourselves and scurry out the door.

It’s an emergency of epic proportions; a crisis that will require an entire team of professionals to assemble around you and take your seen-far-better-days style and blindingly bad bedhead to a whole new level; a disaster that would snag you a spot on a makeover show without so much as an audition. Cut the dramatics darlings!

Don’t be alarmed, it has happened to the best of us; and if it hasn’t, mark my words, at some point in time, when you least expect it, it will. Nevertheless, such a catastrophe does not require one to rally up the troops for assistance; nor should it leave you turning to the dreaded sweats and sloppy ponytail. You may be short on seconds, but that is no reason to be short on style; do not allow minimal time to interfere with you looking and feeling your best. Being fabulous in a flash is possible my loves…cross my heart!

The Duds

It is when we are in a pinch that comfort is key. Dolls, please bear in mind that we are already stressed out enough as it is, frazzled that we’ll miss the morning bus, or enter our lecture unfashionably late to the gulp-inducing glare of our Professor; therefore, ensuring that your ensemble du jour is resilient yet refined; posh yet pleasant; flexible yet fantastic, is essential for not just pleasing your inner fashionista, but your mind, body, and soul in its entirety.


♥The Fantastic Elastic Leggings are the jack of all trades to the fashion world. They manage to make appearances alongside everything from evening affairs to seaside strolls, flitting from event to event with effortless, enchanting ease, making certain that the wearer always looks her best; whilst forever guaranteeing that she is completely comfortable at all times. Hence the reason why the fantastic elastic known as leggings is the legwear of choice when attempting to style yourself in a snap!

“One of the great disadvantages of hurry is that it takes such a long time.”
G.K. Chesterton
This is one of those times when you are not trying to turn heads with your choice of duds for the derriere; rather, you are seeking a canvas for the flowy top that will soon be accoutering your upper half. Therefore, skip the showstopping prints and glittering sequins, and embrace basic blacks that hit at the ankle like Velvet’s Jordan Gauzy Whisper Legging or Wilt’s Leggings. The longer length will accommodate whatever form of footwear you decide upon – be it boot, pump, or ballerina; while the noir hue creates a nice, neutral balance for any color top you deem worthy of wearing.

If you truly feel the need to add an extra splash of oomph to your look, distressed pieces like David Lerner’s Shredded Supplex Leggings or Leyendecker’s Asher Bandage Leggings are ideal, as they contribute a touch of rebellious aestheticism to your appearance without forcing one to relinquish cozy repose.

♥A Tunic in Time Kitty cats please listen carefully to the words that are about to tumble from my Glow Baby Glow Sweet Talk-slathered smooch, as I’m only going to say them once…a wardrobe sans at least a handful of tunics is no wardrobe at all.

“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”
Walter Hagen
It may sound slightly unbelievable, but trust me, it is the absolute truth. Tunics are the one item of clothing that retain the ability to make one look ravishing even when she is feeling ever so slightly rotund. They are a style that keep one’s silhouette looking smashing regardless of how many Little Cupcake Bakeshop desserts you’ve devoured while browsing vintage shops in Brooklyn; and, in the case of being in a hurry, they are crucial as they make you look haute with little to no fuss.

When searching for a tunic that suits you to a T, seek out pieces that harbor two essential characteristics – a self-belt tie and a length that falls just below the bottom. While it’s simple to go out and buy a belt to cinch in the waist of your tunic; pieces that already feature a self-belt tie are oftentimes constructed with more shape to them to ensure that your hourglass figure is not lost by unnecessary extra material, or unflattering bagginess. mark’s All Checked Out Top, and Rebecca Taylor’s Positano Tunic are prime examples. They sport just enough slouch to keep you cozy; whilst providing you with a built-in belt to highlight your sinewy silhouette – precisely what your speedy style is looking for!

♥Dress to Impress Darlings there is no finer way to show off your femininity than via a flirty frock. Coco Chanel once said “Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress.” Such a proclamation is indicative of the power and importance of an uncomplicated frock to one’s wardrobe on a good day; but even on a bad day, when you’re in the throes of a time crunch, a dress can be the shining star of your look du jour courtesy of its simplicity and versatility.

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”
St. Francis de Sales
Time and time again the dress will prove to be a best friend of sorts; a close, personal confidante you might even say. It will come through at a moment’s notice, and always make sure you look like a superstar. While the little black dress is a necessity once the moon rises, and the stars come out; when the suns rays are shining brightly in the blue sky, you want something a little more playful. Remember, your harried, scrambled state instantly makes you feel unglamorous; therefore, look for a powerful print that will brighten your mood the moment you slip it on over your head.

Leave the bandage dresses behind for a girls’ night out, lambs. Today you’re all about slightly slouchy, flouncy, bohemian aesthetics that proffer a sweet, ethereal vibe to anyone who looks your way. Pieces like Rebecca Taylor’s Scarlet Cami Dress, mark’s Leader of the Rack Dress, and Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Flutter Stripe Dress are the epitome of perfection. Whether worn bare-legged in the spring and summer, or coupled with tights in the fall and winter, the multifaceted quality of the dress certifies that you will look refined through and through – even when in a rush!


The ‘Do

It’s not going to happen, dolls, so shoo those thoughts away if you will. You may feel like you are the victim of an out-of-body experience by not allowing yourself to wash, blow dry, and either straighten or curl your luxurious locks this morning; but so much as attempting to alter your follicles under such a time constraint will only put you in a worse situation than you already are. No, today is the day to grab a bottle of dry shampoo, such as mark’s Mega Volume Next Day Spray, to reduce the appearance of grease, oil, and dirt; and get down to quick styling – the slapdash pony will not be seen today!

“If you are in a hurry you will never get there.”
Chinese Proverb
♥Chaotic Chignon The messy pony has a tendency to make one look rumpled and unrefined, as if they have just rolled out of bed and strolled out the door without so much as taking a comb to their mattress-matted hair; whereas the chaotic chignon, which takes just as little time to achieve, retains the ability to make one look glamorous in every sense of the word.

The beauty of the chaotic chignon, most commonly known as the messy bun, is that it is all in the eye of the beholder; there is no specific technique to achieve euphoria in the form of a bun, it is simply created with practice. I like to begin with an elastic hair tie, pulling my hair into a mid-range ponytail, then, once secure, pulling my pony halfway through the elastic so that it sticks out in the form of a bun. Once this is complete, run your fingers around your hairline to pull strands out that will frame your face and create more disorder to your ‘do. Add a coquettish headpiece, like mark’s Petal Perfect Headband to liven up your look, or merely wear as is – either way is sensational!
♥Magnificently Mussed Kitty cats there is absolutely nothing wrong with rocking the bedhead, as long as your look is intentional. Avoid the tangled look created by the assistance of a restless night full of tossing and turning and think more along the lines of salt water saturated waves. Run a comb through your hair to remove knots; then spray a mist such as mark’s Curl Goddess Curling Mist with Conditioning Sunflower all over, scrunching and finger-combing as you go along to work the product into each strand. The end result is the perfect blend of boho / beachy beauty – and it’s a cinch to comb out once the day is over!

♥Perky Pony Darlings you have not been forbidden from perusing ponytails in general; you’ve simply been warned against the hazards of the messy pony. The perky pony is in a class all its own. The perky pony sits high atop your head, swishing to and fro with every strut you take, a subtle wave to the world proclaiming that you are chipper from head to toe regardless of how jittery you may be feeling inside given your late start; thus the reason it is a wonderful go-to ‘do for those hustle and bustle days.

“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there someday.”
Winnie the Pooh
Pick your placement point, either the middle of the back of the head, or a bit higher for that true peppy effect; scoop your hair back, running a smoothing balm such as mark’s Salon Straight Anti-Frizz Serum with Invigorating Orange through your locks, to smooth flyaways and give you that sleek look; secure with a hair tie and voila! Good to go! For a truly elegant addition, wrap a thick strand of hair around your elastic and pin it in place to conceal your hair tie; then fix a pair of oversized sunglasses, such as Chloe Sunglasses’ Abelie Rounded Sunglasses or mark’s Soho Shades atop your head to truly make yourself feel like a starlet!
♥A Side of Sass There’s no point in even trying to deny it, the proof is in the pictures…we were all victims of the Pippi Longstocking-inspired hairstyle during our adolescence; forced to sit still as our mothers wove our tresses into tight braids flanking either side of our head, rendering our facial muscles nearly immobile. It was an acceptable form of torture which left a loathing towards braids forever emblazoned in our minds. Rid your brain of those bad memories my loves! The side braid is an updated take on the playground motif; an unfussy yet fabulous way to style in a snap! Simply gather your hair over one shoulder, loosely weave it into a plait, and off you go – allow wayward tendrils to straggle seductively around your face; they’re par for the course when it comes to achieving a side of sass!

The Disguise

You may be the absolute queen of smoky eyes, or the master of sculpting perfect cheekbones with a few simple swipes of a makeup brush; but today dramatics are not on the agenda. You do not have the time to create a cosmetic look worthy of a fashion editorial; nor does this morning’s speedy schedule allow for you to try out a new style. Today’s mission is merely to make yourself look presentable to the outside world in as little time as humanly possible; thus, you will only be needing a few essentials from your makeup drawer.

“To get all there is out of living, we must employ our time wisely, never being in too much of a hurry to stop and sip life, but never losing our sense of the enormous value of a minute.”
Robert Updegraff
♥It’s All About the Tint A tinted moisturizer is to a girls cosmetic bag what conversation hearts are to Valentine’s Day…not a maybe, not a might, but an absolute must! Tinted moisturizers like mark’s Get A Tint Tinted Moisturizer Lotion with SPF 15 work overtime, performing double-duty by not only evening out your skin tone and covering up any redness you may have; but by bringing forth your natural beauty by moisturizing and giving you a dewy glow which lasts all day. Use a sponge to lightly cover your entire face, and you’re ready for the next step!
♥Eyes on the Prize Don’t be ashamed to admit it dolls, many of us are guilty of the very same crime…we have grown reliant upon eye makeup, and the way that it transforms our sleepy peepers into bright, bushytailed beauties that dazzle; so much so, in fact, that our eyes completely disappear whenever we are sans such embellishment. We may lack the time to use our beloved purple shadows or electric blue liners this morning; but one thing you must not forgo is mascara. Swipe a coat or two of mark’s Make It Big Lash Plumping Mascara on your upper and lower lashes to open up your eyes, and give yourself the confidence boost you need to truly sparkle!

♥The Power of the Pout There is something about a pretty pout that will forever be alluring; and, as your mouth is the focus of conversation, you want to ensure that your lips look lovely through and through. Skip the lipstick this morning, and go for something slightly more subtle with just as many beguiling capabilities. When you’re in a rush your cosmetic crew consists of lip tints, glosses, and stains. Tints like mark’s Glossblossom Ripening Lip Tint give you a sophisticated hint of color with delicate shine; stains such as mark’s Kissink Lip Tintmarker provide a matte finish with long-lasting color; and a gloss like mark’s Pro Gloss Hook Up Plumping Lip Shine add a lacquered look to your lips. The choice is yours my loves!
“Intuition is reason in a hurry.”
Holbrook Jackson
♥Posh in a Pinch Never would I do that to you darlings! Never would I leave you without at least a few ensemble ideas to put you on the fast track to being fashionable in a flash. You may be in a pinch for time, but that is no reason to forgo your posh persona. These looks will keep you from having to do so; and give you a bit of inspiration for future speedy style!

♥Velvet’s Jordan Gauzy Whisper Leggings topped with mark’s All Checked Out Top, and paired with Frye’s Veronica Slouch Boots. A magnificently mussed mane will make you look wild and spontaneous – perfect for this style!
♥Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Flutter Stripe Dress coupled with Dolce Vita’s Beam Platform Pumps in Desert. Pull your hair into a perky pony to embrace your sophisticated side.
♥Rebecca Taylor’s Positano Tunic styled over David Lerner’s Shredded Supplex Leggings and worn with 7 For All Mankind’s Beetle Ballet Flats with Ankle Strap in Black. A saucy side braid would work wonders for this look!
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
Lao Tzu


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr and Shopbop for the pictures.


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Style Secrets: Luxurious Lounge Lizard

“I think I’ve discovered the secret to life – you just hang around until you get used to it.”
Charles M. Schulz
Let’s be honest now, shall we? Blustery weather, or simply a case of being stir crazy and lazy, oftentimes leaves us susceptible to temporarily forgetting our stylish side. Please don’t get defensive my loves - remember the proverb, “A shut mouth catches no flies”; therefore, purse your shimmering Sugared Almond-shaded pucker for just one more moment if you will, and hear me out. There is absolutely no harm in lounging about your humble abode sans makeup; but the au natural look stops there!

I understand your current predicament, dolls. You are home, you are alone, and you are expecting no visitors aside from a wayward cat or two scratching at your front door; thus, why not accouter yourself in the circa-1995 coffee-stained t-shirt you can’t help but to adore, or perhaps allow your bottom-half to proudly display a pair of sweats sporting tattered hemlines and a nearly invisible hole in the knee? The plain and simple answer is…we are what we wear.

Darlings, take it from someone who knows, it is absolutely impossible for one to feel fabulous, or get her creative juices flowing if she is taking style cues from her less-than-perfect alter ego whom has no qualms about playing the role of style slob for the afternoon. Lounging, if you will, is an art; something that takes skill to be done correctly – especially in terms of dress. After all, there is no guarantee that a cute boy won’t pop in for a visit at a moment’s notice; and when he does, you are going to look like a superstar, for you are about to be transformed into a luxurious lounge lizard!

♥G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S Before you so much as attempt to morph your lounge look from lethargic to lavish, you must put yourself into the proper mindset. Yes, I know it sounds slightly “out there,” but a posh perspective will make you feel all the more glamorous on your quest for luxurious lounge lizard satisfaction. Think Veronica Lake regaling in the comforts of a cherry wood chaise longue, dressed in a floor-length silk gown, her flaxen hair cascading into the perfect peek-a-boo over her right eye; or imagine yourself trading places with the likes of Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, or Brigitte Bardot. Channeling classic, Old Hollywood Glamour is exactly the inspiration you need to empower yourself, and your lounge attire.

♥The Slouch Effect Perhaps you were unaware of this kitty cats; but sometimes the slouchiest styles are the ones which convey the most subtle seductiveness. Obviously you want to remain completely comfortable while hanging around; but that does not mean that you must slip on the oversized sweatshirt from your father’s alma mater – a piece which has most definitely seen better days, and swallows your body whole, creating a look synonymous with that of a potato sack. You want a slouchy shape which shows off your sassy silhouette without constricting your movements or creating discomfort; therefore dolmans, off the shoulder tops, and relaxed tees are precisely what the doctor ordered.

“I am so busy doing nothing…that the idea of doing anything – which as you know, always leads to something – cuts into the nothing and then forces me to have to drop everything.”
Jerry Seinfeld
Dolls if there is one thing, and one thing only that I must force you to do, it is to overlook the slightly boxy construction. Oversized tops possess the ability to actualize an alluring aesthetic which serves to make one look lean, lithe, and sylphlike – three characteristics that add a kick of sauciness to your upper-half, and up the ante of your lazy day style. A cut that falls below the derriere and is fashioned with banding at the hemline like L.A.M.B.’s Tie Dye Top, shows off your shape and establishes a very put-together look; whereas a composition that hits at the hip and lacks a banded fit around the waist, such as LnA’s Loose Cropped Tee, is viewed as being more free-spirited and bohemian given its less rigid architecture. Regardless of your favored formation, both harbor the ability to get the job done, and make you look marvelous through and through!

♥Stretch It Out! Darlings given the fact that you are looking to spend the day stretching out and luxuriating in true lazy, lounge euphoria, there is no better way to do so than with the assistance of leggings adorning your lower half.

Leggings are the piece de resistance of loungewear for your derriere for the sheer fact that they are thick enough to keep you as warm as a pint-sized puppy curled up in front of the fireplace during the winter months; yet adequately breathable to keep you cool no matter how high the temperatures rise once summer rolls around. As if that weren’t incentive enough, however, they ensure that you look chic, sleek, and c’est magnifique at all times; and truly balance out your entire attire. Remember, when it comes to style, balance is bliss; and as you are wearing an oversized top, the body-hugging aesthetic of leggings will establish the “even-steven” elegance you are looking to achieve.

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.”
Sydney J. Harris
Avoid cropped leggings which harbor the potential to cut your body in half, and look for pieces that reach the ankle. These will elongate your figure and keep you cozy all at once. Simple styles in blacks, navy blues, and grays, which are fabricated out of jersey knit like David Lerner’s Basic Leggings, are fundamentals for retaining fashionable finesse in the midst of relaxation. These hues can couple with any color of the rainbow and look stunning with each and every one; nevertheless, should you feel plagued with the desire to be a bit more playful around the bottom, look no further than a pair of leggings showcasing a pretty pattern like the marled knit seen upon Bop Basics’ Knit Leggings. Such a style allows one to release the wild child within, without forsaking refined resiliency; and really, who on earth can resist that?

♥Knit Wit Cardigans are the Wonderbra of the world of outerwear. They are a wear-with-all type of accoutrement that snuggle about your body in a way that gives new meaning to Madonna’s 1985 hit single Dress You Up. In fact, to be completely truthful, while an angel receives their wings each time a bell rings, whenever someone slips their arms into the sleeves of a cushy cardigan, they are enveloped into a universe full of affection, warmth, and earnestness; hence the reason why a cardigan is a necessity on your quest for luxurious lounge attire.

Kitty cats, I’m sure that your closet is bursting at the seams with charming cardigans that will work wonders at keeping you a mix of cozy and classy; the key to remember, however, is that you want something completely oversized. Fitted cardigans, while absolutely ambrosial when worn out on a hot date with the cute boy down the street who asked you out via a sentimental mix tape, are too confining when lounging. A piece which bridges the gap between chunky knit and ravishing robe is what should be in your mind’s eye.

“Relaxation means releasing all concern and tension and letting the natural order of life flow through one’s being.”
Donald Curtis
Forgo floor-sweeping designs. While these possess the potential to make one feel like a starlet, they also open the door for dramatic disasters of the ungraceful variety that will make you feel clumsy rather than comely. The perfect pieces are those that fall right below the bottom, like Splendid’s Lurex Rugby Cardigan, or grace your upper to middle thigh, such as Mink Pink’s Chain Mail Draped Cardigan. And, when in doubt, simply raid the closet of the boyfriend – it seems they always have something perfect lurking inside!

♥Footloose You may have a shoe collection that rivals that of Imelda Marcos; but when indoors, unless you are a true diva, it is unlikely that you are displaying these pretties upon your tootsies. It was Dean Koontz who once said, “Bunny slippers remind me of who I am. You can’t get a swelled head if you wear bunny slippers. You can’t lose your sense of perspective and start acting like a star or a rich lady if you keep on wearing bunny slippers. Besides, bunny slippers give me confidence because they’re so jaunty. They make a statement; they say, ‘Nothing the world does to me can ever get me so far down that I can’t be silly and frivolous’…” Perhaps truer words have never been spoken.

Darlings, you could be a celebrity of epic proportions, a model strutting her stuff on the catwalk day in and day out, or merely the fashion adoring doll that you already are; regardless, everyone needs a bit of time to slip off their stilettos, and stuff their feet into cozy goodness.

“Who among us hasn’t envied a cat’s ability to ignore the cares of daily life and to relax completely?”
Karen Brademeyer
Kitschy slippers are a tongue-in-cheek way to allow your frisky side to cast a spirited wink to your wardrobe; a sophisticated approach to adding a splash of whimsy to your lounge style. It’s true, bunny slippers will leave quite a lasting impression upon beholders; but if you feel that they are slightly too childlike for your personal tastes you are still able to provide your posh paws with a well-deserved rest…simply do it in a more high-fashion way!

Flats of all formations are just as fabulous indoors as they are while trotting about town. Moccasins like Frye’s Reagan Campus Driver Flats or UGG Australia’s Dakota Shearling Moccasins distribute a dapper touch to your lounge look du jour courtesy of their vintage aesthetic; ballerinas such as Maloles’ Georges Suede Ballet Flats with Gold Studs or Jeffrey Campbell’s Jewel G Ballet Flats sprinkle a touch of girly glamour upon your appearance via feminine embellishments; and oxford architectures like Joie’s Louie Louie Wingtip Flats without Laces or American Apparel’s Hannah Shoe radiate a dash of retro pizzazz to your haut monde duds thanks to perforations and seam detailing. Of course, if slippers aren’t your cup of tea, you can always enlist the assistance of cute socks, like American Apparel’s Unisex Colored Knee Stripe. Just make sure to keep those tootsies toasty!

♥For Your Listening Pleasure Don’t play coy with me my loves; I know exactly what you are doing right now. Your eyes are dancing about the room, searching for a cozy nook to take up residence in for an afternoon of lounging. Stop; don’t move a muscle! A day of relaxation is utterly incomplete without a few tunes to lull you into a luxurious trance; thus, a petite playlist to get your lounging party started!

♥Always for You - The Album Leaf
♥Kiss of Life - Friendly Fires
♥Hello Brooklyn - All Time Low
♥Breakfast in NYC - Oppenheimer
♥Microphone - Coconut Records
♥Don’t You Evah - Spoon
♥Coast of Carolina - Telekinesis
♥When You Were Young - The Killers
♥Seventeen Candles - The Pink Spiders
♥Dressed to Kill - Landon Pigg

"A cheerful frame of mind, reinforced by relaxation…is the medicine that puts all ghosts of fear on the run.”
George Matthew Adams


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It, Shopbop, and Tumblr for the pictures.


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Style Secrets: Symbol of Style

“Create your own visual style…let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.”
Orson Welles
Darlings, I’m not one for beating around the bush so lets guilelessly get down to business here. Admit it, there is nothing more simple than spotting a style that mesmerizes you and immediately copying it. Perhaps you adore Blair Waldorf’s wide array of sensational oversized headbands; or maybe you can’t get enough of Bettie Page’s bangs, or Olivia Palermo’s constant incorporation of statement necklaces into her daily look. As we all know, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” but it can also work against us in making us lose all semblance of personal style.

Don’t get me wrong my loves; there is absolutely no harm in drawing inspiration from our style icons in terms of the way we dress, but establishing our own distinct form of personal style seems far more fabulous. After all, you are not the only one imitating Serena van der Woodsen’s tousled tresses or Dree Hemingway’s slightly rebellious tomboy chic; there are millions of you out there, making it quite easy to find yourself lost in the crowd. Allowing your personal style to wind up on a missing person’s poster hanging haphazardly upon the sliding glass doors of a supermarket is an absolute no-no; therefore, the time has come to personalize your look.

Incorporating a symbol that is all yours into your wardrobe is the easiest way to stand out from the followers; to shout to the world that you are a true individual, without so much as opening your Peek-A-Boo glossed pout; to create an emblem that instantly makes people think of you, and only you. Who knows; by this time next week someone could, very likely, be mimicking your newly-developed trademark style!

♥Skin Deep There is no question that creating a signature style can be quite the intimidating task – especially in the beginning stages. One very rarely knows where to start, and needs time to evaluate what they want their look to say about them. While you’re hemming and hawing over this particular predicament, weighing the options of effusing sophistication or playfulness, ruggedness or romantics in your daily look du jour, turning to beauty is oftentimes the most accessible way to begin your foray into finding your symbol of style.

Beauty is synonymous with the presence of a lifelong best friend. It is always there to boost your confidence or cheer you up after a bad day with the simple application of a bit of Just Pinched Instant Blush Tint adorning the apples of your cheeks or a mere swipe of Make It Big Lash Plumping Mascara about your lashes to make your eyes truly pop. When it comes to perusing a beauty ritual as your trademark, however, it is essential that you keep the mantra “Go big or go home” in mind.

“An image is not simply a trademark, a design, a slogan or an easily remembered picture. It is a studiously crafted personality profile of an individual, institution, corporation, product or service.”
Daniel J. Boorstin
A trademark built around beauty must be over the top, ostentatious, and, if you’re truly bold, slightly outlandish. Sticking to neutral tones or subtle shades is easily forgettable; your dazzling logo must be anything but! You want something that people will remember; an image which will stay emblazoned in the minds of everyone – from old acquaintances to new friends and foes alike. Hence the reason why dramatics are in order!

Use beauty looks from eras past as your muse. Think pixie hairstyles like Mia Farrow in Rosemary’s Baby or Edie Sedgwick in Poor Little Rich Girl; embrace dramatic eye makeup like spider-lashes and heavy kohl liner of the sixties; mix and match bright colors to create depth and smoldering seduction; or have a little fun with hair color to reinvent yourself. One thing to remember is not to get caught up in wanting to shock people with your beauty regimen. The key to being satisfied with your signature is being comfortable. If your personality is lost beneath layers of bright shadows, and pounds of hairspray that scream someone else you’ll be disappointed in the results. Adhere to your personal likes and dislikes to put your best beauty tricks forward and truly tantalize with your trademark!

♥Taste the Rainbow Dolls, even if you are amongst the class of people who feel a desire to dabble in a variety of styles, changing your look on a daily basis in a fashion akin to a chameleon switching his shade to blend in with his surroundings, do not fret…you are still able to create a trademark that represents who you are; you merely have to build it around something other than a fervor for frilly skirts or cravings for cute crop tops. It is times like these when we must willingly regress back to childhood, and ask ourselves the age old question… “What’s your favorite color?”

“It’s beauty that captures your attention; personality which captures your heart.”
Roy R. Gilson
It’s completely true; one of the simplest forms of satisfying your desire for a signature style is by tasting the rainbow and selecting one shade that embodies everything about who you are. In grade school we bickered with one another over what color was the absolute best, the crème de la crème of Crayola offerings that worked wonders in any piece of art we put down on paper (I was partial to Sea Foam Green myself); now, in young adulthood, we must do precisely the same thing, only instead of being used to decorate a doodle drawn in the margins of our Lisa Frank notebook during history class, we are adorning our bodies in such a hue!

When selecting a color as your trademark you must be able to distinguish between what you love, and what you look good in. Refrain from choosing green, even if you adore it, if it makes your pallor look pasty; at the same time, do not pick yellow simply because it looks good on you. Look for a color that flatters your figure, and makes you happy all at once. Bottom line…you cannot have one without the other; therefore, search until you find perfection. And once you have chosen your signature shade? Oh please, that’s easy darlings; never walk out the door without at least a smidgen of that color accoutering your body – it is your trademark, after all!

♥The Power of the Accessory If you have resisted the lure of the accessory for this long I truly commend you; ‘tis not an easy task. Accessories are to fashion what miniature marshmallows and whipped cream are to hot chocolate…a complete and utter necessity. They have the ability to instantly add personality, volume, and dimension to your style; essentially breathing life into your look du jour. For this reason alone, they are one of the most powerful staples for creating a trademark all your own.

“Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style.”
John Fairchild
It was Coco Chanel who said “It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure.” Truer words have never been spoken. Choosing an accessory as the piece de resistance of your personal style is a fabulous, fashion-forward way to celebrate individuality, as they are widely available in a multitude of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures; and, the true icing on the cake, are oftentimes quite inexpensive so you can indulge in a few pieces to keep your look fresh and fun, never boring or mundane!

Seek out an accessory that is completely comfortable, and can be worn year-round; but don’t lose sight of the fact that, as a trademark, it must be clearly visible to people. Wearing barely there stud earrings on a daily basis easily create a hint of sparkle, but completely lack the ability to make a big enough impression on someone where they would instantly attribute earrings to you as an individual. Be more audacious and cheeky in your selection. If you want rings to be your signature, forgo thin bands and instead embrace cocktail rings that are large and in charge like House of Harlow 1960’s Peacock Cocktail Ring or Noir Jewelry’s Disco Deco Cocktail Ring. If scarves are more your style, choose ones with memorable aesthetics like Eugenia Kim’s Angela Chunky Braided Scarf, or pretty designs like Deepa Gurnani’s Rainbow Scarf. Remember darlings, it is your responsibility to choose an accessory that will keep people talking long after you’ve vacated the room!

“A great trademark is appropriate, dynamic, distinctive, memorable and unique.”
Primo Angeli
♥Fancy Feet Never underestimate the power of the shoe. Many believe that, given the fact that they are strapped upon your feet, the lowest possible region of your body, fabulous shoes go unnoticed. Darlings, this estimation could not be further from the truth. Take it from someone who surveys a person’s ensemble from the bottom up; shoes are of the utmost importance, and, as sad as it may sound, are oftentimes more memorable than one’s face. Hence the reason why they are a wondrous form of fashion to curl up with when creating your claim to style fame!

An important thing to remember when electing to make a form of shoe your signature style is the itty bitty fact that you must choose something that retains the versatility to operate in any given situation you encounter – be it a first date, job interview, or cocktail party; whilst being available in a multitude of designs and aesthetics so that you can stay true to your desired logo at all times without tiring of it.

“Fashions fade, style is eternal.”
Yves Saint Laurent
Boots, as much as I adore them, may work with leggings, jeans, dresses, and skirts, but they honestly don’t make the cut in terms of establishing themselves as a trademark, for cocktail parties and evening affairs are remiss about welcoming them with open arms (though, truth be told, I have attempted to wiggle my way around this unwritten rule countless times – all to disastrous results, mind you). No, when seeking signature style of the shoe, it is best to look towards ballerinas like Antik Batik’s Kiwi Cotton Ballet Flats with Beads or Pour La Victoire’s Juliet Stud Flats, and pumps such as Luxury Rebel’s Jenny Haircalf Booties or Pelle Moda’s Wren Peep Toe Pumps on Double Platform. These two styles proffer the ability to don a different color, texture, or aesthetic 365 days a year; and are the ideal item to build entire ensembles around!

♥Adored Accoutrements Kittens, who on earth led you to believe that you had to select a hue or particular add-on to represent you as your very own trademark? A signature is what you make it; thus it is your decision what form it takes on and how you translate it to the world. And one of the very best ways of communicating your personal style, if you hadn’t already guessed, is by embracing a type of clothing that you would be incapable of living without!

Like shoes, selecting a style of dress that screams “your name here,” is one of the most multifaceted ways to clinch your autobiographical attire. Infatuated with dresses? Make flirty frocks such as Tibi’s Long Sleeve Dress your moniker. Incapable of resisting tights? Allocate pretty legwear like SPANX’s Swiss Dot Tights as your style namesake. Constantly tempted by tunics? Don’t be frightened to wear one like Kite and Butterfly’s Ruffle Caftan everyday! A trademark is specific to you and you only; therefore, selecting a well-loved piece to represent your charming character is a foolproof way of establishing pure bliss.

“Style is a magic wand, and turns everything to gold that it touches.”
Logan Pearsall Smith
♥Tricks of the Trade Now, I am most certainly not one for being a downer or ruining anyone’s fun – especially when it comes to fashion; but I feel that it is my duty as the style-loving femme fatale that I consider myself to be to arm you with a few tips to ensure that your quest for sensational signature style comes off without a hitch!

♥24/7 Style It is your trademark, your signature, the thing that makes you recognizable to others; therefore you must ensure that you display your stylish symbol as often as possible!
♥Just Say No to Trends! Trends are fleeting; here today gone tomorrow. Avoid designating one as your trademark as, chances are, you will tire of it the moment the fashion world casts it aside.
♥Seasons of Change Be mindful of the fact that your moniker must be flexible; it must retain the ability to work in any and all types of weather. As such, select something that will survive and satisfy your wardrobe winter, spring, summer, or fall.
♥Metamorphosis Just as trends are fleeting, so are our likes and dislikes of the moment; thus, do not be afraid to modify your trademark, even once it has been established. Style is synonymous with a butterfly emerging from her cocoon, allow it to metamorphosize and flourish as you see fit.
♥Interlocking C’s At times the interlocking C’s are representative of Coco Chanel; currently, they represent two very important ideas when establishing signature style…confidence and comfort. If both of these prerequisites are not met, find a different look to allocate as your trademark. It is your responsibility as the temptress that you are to effuse fabulousness at all times; a task which is downright impossible if you don’t feel confident or comfortable in your style of dress!

“Style is the hallmark of a temperament stamped upon the material at hand.”
Andre Maurois


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Polyvore, We ♥ It, World Fashion, Shopbop, ibt Blogs, Coco Lee, and Nicole’s Guide to Style for the pictures.


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