STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: It’s the little details that count

Graduation. It’s finally here. I am not one to say these four years have flown by becasue there have been moments I have wanted to rewind to freshman year and certainly times I wished I had a fast forward button but, nevertheless, graduation is upon me. Much to my disliking these past few weeks have been haunted by semester long group projects and preparation for finals that I have failed to stop, breathe and enjoy the simple things that make college so memorable. When I ponder about what I will miss most about college I do not think about a big party or basketball game, it will be the small details, linked together through these four years. Waking up in the morning after a long night and hysterically laughing to recollections of the night before. Barbeque nights and roommate dinners that end up with shorts on fire or a pie in someone’s face – these are the details I will remember forever.

For this weeks graduation theme style advice I was not sure how I wanted my post to turn out. At first I thought about showcasing a look that would be perfect to walk across the stage in, but since spring has not fully made its entrance in Spokane neither have those types of dresses so that idea was put on the backburner. Although, when I saw this Fashionista walking outside of Crosby I new her outfit represented exactly my thoughts towards graduation and an end to these four years.

Her outfit is chic and simple, a forest green leather jacket paired with skinny jeans, a cream colored scarf and tall structured boots. Nothing extremely special or out of the ordinary expect one small detail. I adore theintricate detailing on the buttons of her boots. The detailing gives the boots an antique feel and is made bolder by the repetition up each side of the boots. I love that this outfit is made complete by the small details only seen up close.

My style advice of the week reflects not only on an outfit but my memories for the past for years. Keep the small details in mind, always. Whether it be a braclet your family gave you as a graduation gift in high school, the unique scarf your best friend brought you back from Italy or maybe even a shirt that makes you reminisce about a special day. 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Rustic Charm

 Fashion’s version of the Wild West was portrayed on runways from Ralph Lauren to Robert Cavalli. These designers used Navajo-style strips, sliver and turquoise jewelry and uptown denim. Cavalli used snakeskin leather from head to toe to embrace the Wild West with models dressed in fangs and feathers.

As most of us are not able to spend the money to pick up some of the top designers pieces, it is a trend that can be easily replicated on a more college friendly budget by cherry-picking some of the key items to depict the frontier lifestyle. This works around the staple items of denim, leather and suede in neutral shades in tan, brown and a white palette.

I spotted this Fashionista walking across campus, embodying an everyday version of this trend. I love the way she paired a midi-maxi skirt with a light denim jacket and a brown satchel to complete the look. Her use of neutral colors was simple and chic and the pop of turquoise in her belt was the perfect touch.

Urban Outfitters has a great selection of neutral dresses, both long and short, when paired with a denim jacketlike the one this Fashionista is wearing, will add a hint of rustic charm. Feathers and beading in accessories are an easy way to include a dash of color to the neutral outfit.

Keep this Fashionista in mind when trying to switch up your look. Denim, leather, and suede in neutrals are all it takes to express a bit of rustic charm.

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

Tuesday Blues

For what it's worth:it's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or say the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life your're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again. 

-Benjamin Button

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Sparkle and Shine

The first weekend in April and there is only one thing a majority of the senior class was talking about was Senior Ball, of course. Guys took out their ties while the girls talked makeup, heels and dresses for what seemed to be “Prom 2011." I found this Fashionista in a stunning sequins dress ready for her night out downtown. I love the dimension the sequins give the outfit and it was the perfect choice for the occasion. The LBD is always a great look for a formal, but when you want to stand out in a crowd go for some sparkle, just like this Fashionista.

The typical dull and monotone wardrobes of winter can be transformed this spring due to a glitter and sequin invasion. Designers have added sparkle this year to endless products from shoes to nail polish. Sparkles have always been practical for a night out but now they can be incorporated into outfits during the day. Makeup with a hint of glitter is the perfect way to add a touch of glam to an everyday look. MAC offers a wide selection of cosmetics with a hint of sparkle. Steve Madden has a pair of sparkle platform pumps that are sure to light up any night and pair of glittery oxfords to dazzle a simple day look.

If rocking a sparkly dress or heels is too over the top for you, little accessories are another way to enhance a look with sparkles. A small clutch or bold bracelet is a sublet way to incorporate the shine.

As you walk to class or into a party be bold this spring and don sparkles!

Thanks Mommy

This ad speaks to me

I feel like it is the essence of me

I Have a Lust for Life

Olivia Lo, I love you

http://www.fashionsalade.com/lusttforlife/

What Lips My Lips Have Kissed

What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why,

I have forgotten, and what arms have lain

Under my head till morning; but the rain

Is full of ghosts tonight, that tap and sigh

Upon the glass and listen for reply,

And in my heart there stirs a quiet pain

For unremembered lads that not again

Will turn to me at midnight with a cry. 

Thus in winter strands the lonely tree,

Nor knows what birds have vanished one by one,

Yet knows its boughs more silent than before:

I cannot say what loves have come and gone,

I only know that summer sang in me

A little while, that in me sings no more. 

-Edna St. Vincent Millay

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Feminine Twirl

Rain, hail, sun, wind all within a few hours time can make it a bit confusing when deciding what to put on in the morning for school. I am always afraid I will get too cold and have been resorting to my winter clothes I have been wearing for months. I love that this Fashionista took advantage of a few hours of actual warm spring weather and put together this simple, chic ensemble. This feminine circle skirt and classic button-down are the perfect complement for any type of occasion. Whether it is class, an interview, a date, or just an ordinary day, mid-length skirts are a perfect way to effortlessly add a hint of whimsical femininity.

If you are searching for new spring pieces, skirts like these are a must-have! They are versatile and playful and when worn with a pair of tights is a great alternative to pants. Urban Outfitters has a wide variety of skirts like this basic tiered white one, which could be easily be dressed up and down. They also have a ton of fun,vibrant patterns for a more playful look.

Don’t forget about your shoes when you wear a skirt like this. A simple feminine skirt is the perfect time to showcase a new pair of wheels. I am obsessed with Free People’s floral options like these to die for wedges. A rustic ankle boot like this Fashionista is rocking or the tall boots you have been wearing all winter are a more causal finish to this look. Think of this feminine twirl when shopping for new clothes or looking to put together a new look for spring!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Full Circle

Who says that style has to stop at just your clothes? Every Fashionista knows that accessories are the key to any outfit. Whether it is an oversized bag, large clunky bangles, or a bold floppy sunhat, accessories are the icing on the cake for any spring outfit. I captured this Fashionista cruising around campus with a chic version of the quintessential college item. She accessorized her outfit with this shiny, vibrant red beach cruiser bike. Most college students own a plain, everyday bike to get around campus with but I love that this Fashionista used her bike to enhance her look.

It is important to be aware of every detail that goes into an outfit and making accessories the focal point of your look will give it the finishing touch. A beach cruiser bike like the one this Fashionista is rocking may be a great investment for your look if you ride your bike everyday. They come in many different color combinations; I love this vanilla colored one!

If buying a bike is a little out of your price range there are a ton of different options for other eye-catching accessories. Try big wrap-around obi belts, which are inspired by the sash-like belts used to cinch Japanese kimonos. They are striking and structural, perfect to dress up any simple top and bottom. Also, big bangles, and lots of them are fairly inexpensive and pack a major punch when piled together. Forever 21 has a large variety of bangles that can be mixed and matched with a number of different outfits.

When dressing this spring but just stop at the clothes in your closet, come full circle and be mindful of all the little details you can add to make your outfit unique!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Moving to the floor

As spring approaches most girls ditch the leggings and tights and start to shorten their hemlines. Instead of reaching for the short mini skirts or the leg baring dresses try going for flowy, long, and lean. The modern floor grazing skirts create an elongated silhouette, which can be easily be dressed up for a night out or toned down for a relaxed hippie vibe. Maxi dresses and skirts in dark, neutral tones add sophistication and movement to any outfit.

Maxi skirts and dresses have been a hit since Abbey Lee Kershaw was spotted wearing a black sheer maxi skirt, like the one this Fashionista is wearing, this past fall and are picking up speed as they were seen all over the runways at fashion week this spring. Free people offers sheer maxis as well as floor length floral skirts that a perfect for pairing with a sweater or a tank top, heels or flats. Layering on top of maxis with tanks, sweaters and vests add dimension and texture to the long look. I love how this Fashionista layered on top of her maxi skirt with a circle scarf and a sweater to add color.

A variation on the maxi skirt or dress is one with a high-low hem. This allows for the sophistication of a maxi with a hint of sexy. A simple black maxi like this one from Nordstrom would be a perfect dress to show off a pair of show stopping heels.

Floor grazing hemlines are incredible to transition from spring into and can be worn all summer and into fall. Keep this Fashionista in mind when breaking out the spring and summer clothes and change up your look for spring!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Ready for Combat

In typical Spokane fashion just when we thought spring might be upon us, this wonderful city gifted us with nines inches of snow and a snow day. The cold weather and the layers of ice covering the sidewalks of campus are a perfect opportunity to wear layers of clothing and statement shoes that are practical and stylish. As we know, fashion trends recycle themselves and this fall we were reintroduced to combat boots. The recent fashion shows in New York showed us what is expected for fall 2011 and military pieces are just gaining steam. Leather bomber jackets and military inspired embellishments were seen all over the runways. These boots bring a new meaning to leather and lace and can ad an edgy, modern flare to any outfit. 

Lace-up combat boots have been a unisex trend and are a great way to transition from winter to spring. Girls, pair boots with tights and a dress or jean shorts and a sweater to take your combat boots trans-seasonal. Free People has many options for combat boots from ankle toknee high length. Nordstrom has a great pair of white troopa boots that I adore; the off-white color plays down the bold boots with a soft, girly spin. I gave these to my sister for Christmas and I am currently planning a shceme to steal back! Guys, dress up any everyday shirt, jeans, and vans routine with some lace-up combat boots for a subtle but bold look. Take a hint from this fashionisto who rocked his lace-up combat boots with cuffed jeans and a tucked in flannel to give his look the finishing touch. 

Keep this Fashionisto in mind when trying to balance the cold and transition into the spring weather we are all craving. Don’t be afraid to pull out some spring/summer pieces and mix them with items you have been wearing all winter!

Sasha Fierce

My senior ball inspiration