Little Black Cut-Out Dresses

With New Years Eve just around the corner, many of us will be searching for the perfect little black dress.  This year, I'm loving those with tasteful cutouts that add just the right amount of skin to contrast the black.  We've all seen the cut-out dress done wrong that looks as though it survived a knife fight or slasher encounter.  Below are cut out dresses done right!

I love this vintage find from Emery Jo C on lookbook.

Krystal Bick took a basic little black dress and did the cutouts herself! I would love to try a DIY project like this. 

Gotta love the satin and exposed zipper, find here.

This Roland Mouret dress from Bergdorf Goodman is lovely and an interesting length.

Okay, so this dress might not count as a "little" black dress but I love the gorgeously unique cutouts and maxi length of this one from ASOS.

The skinny lattice back and suspender-like straps make this an amazing choice from Urban Outfitters.

Just a little Quote...

One thing people don't realize about New York City is that you are always alone. Every person around you is. Even when you are with friends, you are independent from everyone else, independent from society, and independent from the world.
-Jen Danczak

The Whispertown 2000 + High-Waisted Shorts

 Both albums by The Whispertown 2000 have been playing constantly from my iPod and it seems like every picture and video of them features at least one of the girls wearing an amazing pair of high-waisted shorts.  Yes, I'm aware that it's winter but high-waisted shorts look fantastic with tights and oxfords. I know I'm inspired by their style, are you?

image from jennygreyes.blogspot.com

image from thewhispertown2000.com

image from anotherformofrelief.com

image from here

image from here

image from justinloy.com

image from http://polaryotro.wordpress.com/

image from justinloy.com

shorts 17.80 from forever21

shorts 29.99 from urbanoutfitters.com

Shop Sunday: Etsy

Etsy is my favorite place to shop online.  Fabulous vintage finds, affordable stylish pieces and quirky accessories are always a breeze to encounter.  All items below and thousands of other amazing items are currently available on etsy.com.

Style Icon Saturday: Mary-Kate Olsen

For the first style icon muse, I chose Mary-Kate Olsen.  The way her effortless style and desheveled hair always seems to look perfectly put together amazes me.  She is gorgeous and the Daily Muse's first weekly style icon. 

image from thebosh.com

image from people.com

image from crushable.com

image from wikispace.com

image from teenvogue.vom

image from backseatcuddler.com

image from jadore-fashion.com

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen: Dynamic Duo

Normally I write about specific trends that occur in the fashion world and on the streets. But this time, I am awing over two of my absolute favorite people. Anyone who knows me personally would have guessed who the "people" are, not by the title, but by speaking to me on a day-to-day basis.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been seen as legendary fashion icons to millions of people worldwide. The actresses-turned-designers have been recognized by big time magazines, such as People and Elle. Mary-Kate seems to get more recognition for this fashion icon "title." She makes "skinny girls in baggy people look cool," according to People magazine in 2005, when Mary-Kate was only 18. Now that the twins are 24, they have a lot more knowledge and interesting outfits under their belt. They have grown to become true names in the fashion industry, and are now the designers for three different lines; Elizabeth and James, The Row, and Olsenboye. For more information on these lines, check out my previous update about MK&A from October.
Although they both are known for layering and oversized outfits, it isn't ever overdone. They aren't afraid to ever push the boundaries of what styles are acceptable to society. The twins do their own thing when it comes to fashion, and that's what makes them stand out and become icons. Here are some pictures of their different styles:

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen will always be an inspiration to me in many ways, especially as I move with my studies into the fashion industry myself. I will forever be fond of the dynamic duo.

credit: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,.html
http://itsinspiration.tumblr.com/

Follow Friday: Refinery29

Refinery29 was the very first fashion blog I read and has only grown and improved since then.  It was a no-brainer to choose them as my first follow friday muse.  

all images from refinery29.com