Reading Between the Lines

There are two magazines in the fashion industry that every single person knows by name- VOGUE and ELLE. These two seem to be in competition with each other at all costs.. because of course, it is the fashion industry... everything is a competition. I have been an avid reader of both magazines for quite a few years now. Each time I would flip through, examining the advertisements for catchy items, sometimes reading the articles that actually appealed to me, and then go and place it on my bookshelf. Not this time.

First I read through the January 2011 VOGUE with beautiful Natalie Portman on the cover. The Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, made a shout-out about the movie "The Great Gatsby" coming to theatres in 2012, which I am absolutely stoked for... but that is for another post. There was a whole page dedicated to "VOGUE point of view" with three words that caught my eye instantly- "A CLEAN SLATE." This is what really reeled me in to this specific issue. "...Let go of the old to allow something new and better to enter your life" is only one line of the inspirational passage that was ahead. Learning that my jeggings and leggings were going to be soon "out of style" didn't sit with me well, though, because it is my absolute favorite thing to wear lately. This whole semester of college I wore my jeggings almost every night. "The clean-lined, crisp, neo-minimalist clothes of the new year smack of modernity. For once, we truly haven't seen them before. The future is now" was a great ending to this page of genius thoughts. VOGUE readers would know that high waists, trousers, and wide legs are squeezing their way into the trends for this Spring. VOGUE really blew my mind this issue.

The January 2011 ELLE was also a glorious issue, with Sarah Jessica Parker as the cover girl. Joe Zee, the creative director, had a great section dedicated to L.A. and NYC and how different they are when it comes to different styles. He took six girls and dressed them like New Yorkers while in L.A. and vise versa. It was a cute little section that caught my eye. There was also a promotion for STYLE360 and the fashion shows that they put on during New York Fashion Week this past Fall. These two pages were full of celebrities, clothes, and models. This included a picture from the Indashio show that I worked, which (as I wrote about in previous posts) was an incredible experience. This issue also stressed the contrasting trends for the Spring/Summer 2011 season, which is whites and neutrals vs. bright colors. The "Ask E. Jean" section that ELLE has in every issue is always one of my favorites. ELLE really succeeds in putting fashion into a different perspective that is easy to follow.

It is shocking that both magazines stuck out to me in the same month, especially with how thin these issues are. With such beautiful meaning that is slowly but surely catching on to me, there are more to these magazines than just pretty models and boatloads of advertisements. Within are words of wisdom straight from fashion experts themselves. I am finally learning to read between the lines.

Shop Sunday: The Curiosity Shoppe

If I had to describe the Curiosity Shoppe in one word I would choose quirky, deliciously quirky, which is the reason I love it. You'll find items unlike any other, from homegoods to art to jewelry.   So many creative and unique gifts abound, perfect for the looming holiday.  I wish I could have it all. 

all images from thecuriosityshoppeonline.com

Saturday Style Icon: Abbey Lee Kershaw

Abbey Lee looks incredible on and off the runway.  I love that she is not afraid to experiment with texture in her clothing (and also her hair)!  You can usually find her wearing lace of some kind, scarves, and numerous accessories.  Her fashion and beauty fearlessness is what earned her the title of this week's style icon.

image courtesy of 2threads.com

image courtesy of black-blackjournal.blogspot.com

image from lexposure.net

image from nittygrittynow.com

image from kims-backstage-pass.com

image courtesy of collegefashion.com

Military, Suede & Olsenboye. What a Joy!

Today (well, practically yesterday...) I went on a holiday shopping spree at the mall.  I shopped for my mother, and of course myself. I'm sure everyone else in the world will at some point during this holiday season if they didn't already!
I am absolutely stoked about all of my purchases. Not a regret ran through my head when I swiped my plastic through the machines each time. That's how I knew I made some good choices.
My first stop (not to mention favorite stop) was J.C.Penney. I don't usually shop there, but I only went in for one specific reason... Olsenboye. Olsenboye is Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen's less expensive line for teens that they made exclusively for J.C.Penney. Even if it is targeted for teenagers, I obviously had to have my share. Age is just a number, right? If you have read my previous posts, you would know my love for these girls and what they have contributed to the fashion world. The shoes I purchased are shown below. Not only are they black booties, but they are covered in sequins. They scream NYC. I can't wait to rock these in the city.

Olsenboye sequin booties

My next stop was Charlotte Russe to find some simple black suede boots, but it was unsuccessful due to none in my size. I decided to try DEB. Although their shoes are of much lesser quality and have a distinct, semi-gross smell of material to them, they have some pretty cute designs. I ended up spotting some knee high black suede boots.. exactly what I was looking for in the first place. For only 20 dollars, I had to get them. I am hoping the pro of spending that little amount outweighs the con of having my feet smell for the next year that I wear them...

My last shopping stop was a new shoe store at my mall (yes, more shoes!) which was absolutely huge and eye-catching. My friend David (who purchased the Olsenboye shoes for me for my Birthday) was in search of Blowfish shoes for his sister, when another pair caught my eye. Right in front of me were the most gorgeous military boots I have ever seen. Being the shoe-a-holic I am, there was no way I was passing up 20 dollar Unionbay boots that I have wanted for months. The military look has been "in" for quite some time now, and it is unfortunate that I just bought a pair of these classic boots. I see many girls wearing them in the city, and each time I get jealous. Not anymore! I haven't been able to take them off since I got home. Here is a picture below:

Unionbay Military boots

I have learned throughout my hard-working years that it is always a good idea to indulge in something that makes me happy once in awhile. Shopping is that indulgence for me. (Although I once spent $150 on previously owned movies...) Whether you enjoy holiday shopping or not, I hope you had/have a splendid Christmukkah! (As Seth Cohen on the O.C. would say.) Make sure you keep warm!

Follow Friday: So Much to Tell You

Since 2008, New Zealand writers and friends, Natalie Emma Smith and Zoe Walker, have been producing their blog So Much to Tell You with the purpose of sharing with us their favorite things and I hope they do so indefinitely!  Ever since this blog's inception, readers have been provided with gorgeous photographs and thought-provoking articles.   I love that these two also share their musings on two of my other passions, music and books, along with style and beauty. Visit now!

all images from somuchtotellyou.co.nz

Vintage Gloves

This winter, I've substituted my usual Dollar Tree knits with 50's vintage gloves.  They add a bit of glam to my winter wear and make going outside in the freezing cold a tiny bit more fun.  Of course, vintage gloves cost more than $1 but are certainly worth the investment and can usually be found for around $10 or less. 

 

image courtesy of kelly-doll.blogspot.com

image from flickriver.com

image from fashionising.com

image from fancast.com

These gloves and the next four pairs can be currently purchased on etsy.com.

 The above lot of gloves and the next three pairs can currently be bid on at ebay.com.

Mesh

I've been loving mesh since summer.  It's been a big player this winter and looks as though it will continue its momentum into Spring.  I think it looks beautiful on the skin and can be styled in countless ways.  What is your favorite way to wear mesh?

The ruching in this swimsuit cinches in all the right places plus mesh dries super fast.   

image courtesy of fashionworldtoday.com and swimsuit available here

I love this mesh pocketed dress from Samantha Pleet's Spring 2011 collection. Although I would certainly have to think twice about stuffing my pockets with all the junk I usually do since it would all be on display.

image from refinery29.com

The lovely mesh lingerie is from The Loved One collection which will be released any day now! I contributed through Kickstarter to this project when it was still being dreamed up and I can't wait to see the full collection! Check it out here.

I wouldn't have had any clue how to style mesh leggings, but Renee J from wearobe.com does so beautifully and certainly inspired me. 

As much as I love to hate Project Runway's season 9 winner, Gretchen Jones, I have to admit that I kinda love this dress that she wore to the finale. 

image from erin-m-flynn.com

I've seen similar versions of this dress in many different places but it is definitely most affordable from  Forever 21 and it has a more interesting back than others. 

American Apparel knows how to pair a mesh skirt with a mesh top and make it work.  Both items available in their online store.