The look of Gossip Girl

I am SO excited! My new guilty pleasure is about to begin tonight- GOSSIP GIRL! I am so addicted to the show, and have you ever noticed how FAB all the fashion is? Here is a my take on our two favorite girls of the show, Blair and Serena.

I love Blair’s 50′s inspired style. She always accessorizes with something classic like pearls or feminine like a bow headband.

Serena makes antyhing look chic and cool with her rocker inspired look. She is always wearing a fashionable jacket to complete her look. (She’s kinda a young Carrie Bradshaw don’t you think?)

Fringe is IN!

A hot new fall look is country chic. Its the new ‘bohemian.’ Check out Gucci or Dolce and Gabbana fall 2008, they are ALL OVER this look! The best way to make any outfit country chic is by adding some fringe!! I love suede boots, and fringe bags. Super hot!

Rubbers

***FASHION ALERT***

Now that it has started to rain again here in Vancouver, a major fashion no-no has come to my attention…WIDE LEG PANTS TUCKED INTO RUBBER BOOTS?!?! What the? Ok, I know you think you’re cute and trendy in your wide leg jeans (which you are) but opt for your skinnies if you MUST wear rubber boots. Or DON’T wear ugly rubbers and  just suffer through the day with wet hems – a true fashionista would!

Summer do’s and don’ts

Many blinding do’s and don’ts have come to my attention since we suddenly got warm weather. The following list is my idea of simple ways to make your don’ts into do’s!

Don’t: Bootie Shorts- So we’re talking the thin cotton shorts that usually say some name brand over the butt and have a draw string waist. The public should not be forced to look and your butt cheeks as you walk by- plain and simple. THE ONLY place to be wearing these types of shorts is on the beach or as pajamas. Also, moms, you should not be letting your 10 year old walk around in shorts with a 1/4″ seam!! Thats just wrong!

Do: Bermudas and walking shorts- If you insist on wearing shorts, a pair with at least a 2″ inseam is the shortest anyone should go- no matter how hot your legs are. I personally LOVE Bermuda shorts, they cover the thigh and are flattering on every body type.

Don’t: Bikini Tops as Bras- Ok, so you’re going to the beach and there is no place to change and you are going straight home afterwards then sure- wear your bikini top under your tank; but to the mall? We you really just at the beach?? Than WHY are you wearing your bathing suit?

Do: A Bra- Yes, its that simple, you wore one all winter, why stop in the summer. If you are wearing a tube top or halter invest in a good strapless. Common sense right?

Don’t: Flip flops: Ok, I own a million pairs myself, but I’m talking to those ladies that never take their flip flops off! They are meant for the beach, or to the park or something, don’t wear them everyday of the entire summer- don’t you have a cuter option?

Do: Gladiators- If you didn’t get your chance to buy a pair last year- now is your chance, they are everywhere! Gladiators are a cute alternative to flip flops and you can dress them up or wear them with a casual look. PLUS most of them have an ankle strap, so you don’t have to worry about them falling off or randomly falling apart on you at a summer music festival! (yes…that has happened to me on multiple occasions!)

Don’t: Trucker/ baseball caps- Good on you for wearing a hat- but right now there are plenty of other options out there other then a boring old baseball cap. Plus this is usually not the most flattering hat and its also not really in style anymore!

Do: Fedora’s and sun hats- Straw fedoras and sun hats and a cute option for head gear this summer. Fedoras are great for everyday and sun hats are awesome for that summer wedding or heading out to the beach.

Well…this is just the tip of the iceberg. I am sure I could go on FOREVER with this post but these are the most popular mistakes I see daily. Feel free to comment with your additional do’s and don’ts!

What shoes should I wear??

Have you ever asked yourself this question? Well read on and you shall find out!

The 1st step- What type of pants are you wearing?

If you’re wearing a skinny leg you can wear: ballet flats, pumps (almond or pointed toe), platforms, peep toes or boots.

If you’re wearing a straight leg you can wear: pumps (pointed toe), platforms or peep toes

If you’re wearing a wide leg you can wear: pumps (ONLY pointed toe) or wedges.

The 2nd step: How long are you legs?

To elongate ALWAYS wear a heel. If you are blessed with height or have skinny legs you can wear flats, if not always get a heel and make sure it has a pointed or almond toe!! Everyone needs a pair of pointed toe pumps in their closet. They look will look good with 98% of your wardrobe AND they will make you look skinnier!!

The 3rd step: What kind of outfit are you wearing?

I always say, a shoe can make or break an outfit. And you can never go wrong with a brightly colored shoe! You can dress up a simple black T-shirt and jeans with a pair of bright yellow peep toes and your instantly stylish!! Don’t worry about matching so much. Have fun with your shoes!

If you are wearing a patterned top pick a color from the top to accentuate with the shoe.

***YOU DON’T ALWAYS HAVE TO MATCH YOUR SHOE TO OUR HANDBAG!!***

All shoe images provided by Gravity Pope.

The Gap Sells Shoes Too! (And they’re CUTE!)

So I know when you think of The Gap you think boring plain t-shirt and jeans soccer mom…but this spring they have really hit the mark with their shoes! Online they have a new shoe boutique called  Piperlimes Shoe Shop. Designers like Roberto Cavalli and Ralph Lauren have created high fashion affordable shoes!

Here is a few to get your mouth watering:

Buttercup, $70 USD

Guilda, $85 USD

Mattie, $140 USD

Beth, $120 USD

Dahlia-4, $50 USD

Transitioning into SPRING!

Gentlemen…looking to update your winter wardrobe for spring and not spend thousands of dollars? The key is ACCESSORIES!

A hot new fashion look for spring is, cuffed pants! This doesn’t cost you anything- all you have to do is make sure your STRAIGHT leg pants are long enough to cuff! Make sure the cuff is only about 1″- 1 1/2″ wide, and only roll up your hem twice, otherwise it will start looking too bulky.

Another not so expensive way to update, sunglasses!

Plastic colored frames are a great new look.

For suiting- forget all the back. Try new colors, even if that means just buying a new tie. Popular colors for men this spring are: orange, kelly green, yellow, aqua, lavender and pink.

You also want to think about your shoes. With cuffed jeans or skinny jeans a neon color converse or a white sneaker is a great new look. With dress pants opt for a brown or tan colored shoe.

On a final note- in order to achieve this updated look you WILL have to go shopping! Its not that scary, just trust your instinct and the salesperson!

Thats just…Dandy

Dandy- a man who places particular importance upon his appearance, refined language and the cultivation of leisurely hobbies.

Giorgio Armani, fall ’08

Dries Van Noten, fall ’08

Neil Barrett, fall ’08

Although the look of a dandy is to wear a 3 piece suit, the key to pulling off the look of a dandy is HAIR and SHOES.

For hair go with a slick cropped style. Think George Clooney or Jude Law.

At the end of a perfectly tailored narrow leg pant, you should find the perfect statement shoe. Here are a few ideas from Gravity Pope.

This is a great look that you can wear to the office. Once you take your blazer off its a great look for wearing out after work. Feel free to add a scarf and instead of the tie for a more funky look!

Skinny vs. Wide

Skinny or wide leg jeans? Both are in style but what is right for you? If you are tall and slim your are blessed and can wear both with great ease…but if not, here’s a few tips:

Skinny jeans:

-They look best on someone with a slimmer leg, who is not too curvy and they are great on shorter girls!!

-If you are curvy there is still hope for you! You must pick your top carefully! Pick a longer tunic style top, that sits just below your hip, and make sure to emphasize your waist! Its also easier on the eye if you pair your jeans with a boot, instead of a ballet flat- it will help balance out your hip.

- If your under 5’4 you might want to think about investing in a good pair of heels. Skinny jeans with a cute pair of pumps will make your legs look a mile long! Also, you should NOT be pairig them with a tunic style top, it will make you look even shorter. Pair them with a top that cuts off at the waist line- or at the longest it can be 2inches below, but NO dresses with skinny jeans! It will just make you look shorter!

- ALWAYS keep skinny jeans in a dark indigo wash!! Make sure there is no fading in the bum or on the thigh. That isn’t flattering even on the best of bodies!

Steven Alan Grey with Yellow Stripe Silk Dress, Deener skinny leg jeans, Y's boots Steven Alan silk grey and yellow top, Roberto Collina Navy vest, Deener jeans, Y's Boots

Wide Leg Jeans:

- Unfortunately for all you shorter girls out there, this is not a look for you. (unless you’re pairing them with a wedge HIGHER then 3″)

- Girls who were blessed with a bum- these are the jeans for you! You want to pair them with a fitted top, to still be flattering in your body. A great look is high waisted wide leg jeans with a fitted t-shirt or blouse tucked in. Think the original Charlie’s Angels!

-These jeans MUST be paired with a great pair of wedge shoes, or a cute flat summer shoe.

Rachel Comey silk blouse & wide leg pants, Nave wool jacket, Thuy leather belt Rachel Comey silk blouse, & wide leg pants, Thuy leather belt