Back to School/Fall Trends, Episode 1: DENIM

Today I looked at the calendar: July 31. WHAT? Where did summer go? In a few weeks (or even a few hours for some) schools will awaken from their summer hibernation and be once again full of life...or something like it. 


I know for me the start of school always meant one thing (excluding the new backpack and school supplies frenzy): a back to school shopping trip. The clothes bought on this groundbreaking shopping trip were to remain, untouched, in my closet until the highly anticipated first day of school arrived. 


Now (three years into college) back to school shopping is more like...fall preparation. A time to get my bearings on the season's trends and to see what I can add to the overflowing rack of clothes that keeps me company in my room. The next few posts are going to be about just that. No, not my overindulgent shopping or my socially awkward relationship with my closet, but the trends of the season to come. Today's topic: DENIM.

I realize this familiar fabric has had it's moments of misfortune in the past. I mean...what isn't red carpet ready about this?:

Yikes. Not cute.

Denim has come a long way since it's  initial appearance in the United States in the 1950s, though, and there are definitely a million ways to wear it. Of course, there are some donts, but there are some definite do's as well.

DO.

Invest in something denim that you can wear a million different ways. 

For example, a seventies inspired, midi length (aka mid calf) high waisted skirt can take down like three of this seasons top trends with just a little changing up in the styling. A trend within a trend, Lauren? Yes. Get ready to receive your acceptance into the fashionistas of America. 

DONT.

Invest in something denim that you can only wear one way.

I think i'm just going to continue to refer you to the picture above of the DENIM TUXEDO AND EVENING DRESS. You just don't REWEAR that.

DO.

Step outside of the box when it comes to the way you're wearing your denim. 

Take denim out on the town! It can be completely chic in an evening look, or even in different styles of tops, skirts, and all that in between, but there are clear exceptions to the potential of it's chic.. (you know exactly what I'm talking about. I don't even have to say it).

DONT.

Just wear denim in your jeans.

That's boring. And, if you do wear it in your jeans, find cool jeans! There are more styles out there than just bootcut, wideleg, and skinny. Explore your options. A good pair of denim harem pants can be a more exciting addition to your wardrobe than you know.

DO.

Take your denim further than just your clothes. Experiment with denim bags, shoes, belts, hair accessories, and jewelry. Wearing a dark denim pant can be super complemented with a denim shoe in a lighter wash. Which brings me to my last point..

DONT.

Be afraid to mix washes or colors! 

Yes, we've all seen that tragic pair of patchwork denim pants, or maybe even that friend of yours who wears the entire denim ensem...but the combination just doesn't look right. This isn't to say that every shade of denim will look good together, but to give the idea that certain shades of them will. The most effective way to make this happen is to beware of the undertones of your blues. Hold your pieces next to each other before sporting them out on the town (or even to the grocery). As with all colors, blues have cool tones and warm tones. Getting the right mix isn't as hard as you'd think. Just pay attention.

until next time,

Lo

Suit up.

On days like today I can hardly keep my thoughts drifting into that summer frame of mind. So much to look forward to. Sandals, shorts, and most importantly...swimsuits. I've been on a pretty serious hunt for a striking one, but haven't found THE one yet.


That's the thing about swimsuit shopping though--it's definitely one of the more frustrating shopping endevers of the year. You never know exactly what kind of punch winter packed to that once flat stomach and those used-to-be-flawless legs. That is...until you try on that vintage hot pink one piece with all of the rouching up the front.


Not only do you have to find one that suits you and your features, but also one that suits your body type. Here's a few tips to make that a little easier:


HOUR GLASS FIGURE- Go for swimsuits that flaunt what you got, sister. If you're hourglass, chances are you can't go wrong with a bikini or two piece, and one pieces with cut outs will flatter you as well. If you're busty, try the swimsuits with underwire (experiment with different amounts of support).


BOYISH FIGURE- Big benefit of having a boyish figure? The ability to wear (most) bandeau tops. Bandeau tops, especially with detailing like ruffles/rouching/etc give the allusion of a bigger chest (of course a push up type swimsuit is always helpful, as well). Try swimsuits that accentuate your favorite parts of your figure. For example: I am a huge fan of my waist and my collarbones/shoulders, so I think i may try one of those retro, high waisted, two piece pin up girl-esque swimsuits. I'm actually not sure who that style WOULDN'T flatter.


CURVY FIGURE- I'm going to completely reiterate the pin-up girl style swimsuit here, however, if you are insecure about your midsection then I would suggest going for the one piece version. Totally just as cute, but you feel more comfortable. Skirted one pieces can definitely be flattering (if they are not tacky skirts, e.g. kmart style) and so can halter two pieces that have a wider style of cup. (Excessive side boob is never cute)










A little insecure about being in your suit pool side, or while walking down the beach? Easy. Cover ups have recently taken a turn for the better and can accentuate your swimsuit, as well as your body. Thin fabric is the way to go. Maxi dresses work well, too.

As far as your hunt for the perfect swimsuit goes: I wish you good luck, and I send you off with some hopefully helpful information. Namely: where I've seen the cutest ones so far this season.

From L to R: (row 1) Victoria's Secret, Modcloth, (row 2) Betsey Johnson, and Anthropologie. I would even try etsy if you're feeling spunky! There are some very talented swimwear designers (and otherwise) who are in the beginning stages of making their grand debut.

I hope this was helpful!
Questions? comment below.


until next time
Lo




Currently Listening to: Mumford and Sons - Sigh No More

It's Aldo Rage!

So, since about January I've been receiving the spring issues of the magazines that I subscribe to. This is exciting for two reasons. Reason #1: I love getting mail. I am a mail monster. If there is an envelope with my name on it in our mail box, then chances are I don't even make it back into the apartment without carefully tearing (with the caution of a 3 year old opening a Christmas package) the envelope open. Reason #2: I love a good fashion magazine. 


Amidst the spreads about color blocking, 70's chic, and bold lips, though, something other things began to catch my eye. These things were spring ad campaigns, and this year they do not disappoint. A good ad campaign is so important because it's all about catching the magazine reader's eye and directing them to the creative vision of your store/product. If the ad is memorable, chances are they'll remember to pay a visit to your store in pursuit of the cute pair of wedges you had so expertly styled or the dress that made the model look flawless. If your store gives off the same attractive vibes as your ads then chances are you, my friend, can ad one more name to that frequent shoppers list.


I love ads that are spunky, well styled, and fun. On the other hand, I also love ads that are artistic, unexpected, and intriguing. I also love an ad with a good pun, but who doesn't, really?


Recently I've been obsessed with one ad campaign in particular, and that is the ALDO spring campaign. Primary colors and an abundance of vintage styled hair, makeup, and clothes make for fun and eye catching 2 page spreads. See for yourself:

ALDO's spring campaign was very successful in my opinion. I have a had a craving to go there ever since their ads graced the pages of my February issue of NYLON. I look forward to the day I rip them out and stick them on my every growing wall of fashion.

until next time

Lo

now listening to: Local Natives-Gorilla Manor (or my favorite cd in the world)

Fashionably Late.

There is nothing I have been meaning to do more than start a blog that was more than witty rants.

First, let me introduce myself.
I'm Lauren, or Lo if you'd rather.
I'm currently a fashion student and I love everything about the fashion industry.
Trends, accessories, outfit epiphanies.. all my part of my daily life.

I love music, typography, art/design, coffee, boots, MAC lipstick, and my canon rebel t2i.
I constantly quote zack galifanakis, anchorman, and the office.
I am a huge fan of pizza, nutella, and most things sweet.

I'm newly a vegetarian, rarely asleep before 2AM, and always thinking at a million miles a minute.

I have so much to say about fashion, about beauty products, and about cosmetics.
Not to mention about design trends in other areas and things that are inpsiring me at the moment: music, movies, literature, designers.

I'm sure I'll be sneaking in some oh so clever remarks here and there, in fact it's inevitable.


But mainly I just want to share what I know and what I love.

You can expect regular updates.
Whether they are a review, an outfit of the day, or a full out fashion debriefing about an upcoming season will be TBD.

I'm really excited about this blog, though.

Questions? comment me.
Something I should address in my blog? let me know.
I'd love some feedback once I get rolling.


I'm Lo. And I am officially a fashion blogger.