Friday, May 18, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Fashion Behind the Scenes
First of all, I'M BACK! And I have four whole months to report the latest trends and fashion news to all of you. Over the past few weeks, University robbed me of my fashion sense, and left me in sweatpants, hoodies, and yoga pants. (*Cringe.*) Now that it is summer vacation and I have a job at a cute new clothing store though, my fashion sense is back on track. Promise.
Segue into what I want to blog about today. I'm working at a new store for tween girls, and it opened last week. It was a lot of work setting up the store, but so much fun (especially since one of my best friends is a co-worker). A store doesn't put itself together magically (if only we were all witches and wizards and could wave a wand so that everything would be set up in a day); it takes long hours filled with unpacking, sensoring, folding or hanging, and arranging merchandise to look perfect. The store is filled with everything girly, cute, pink, sparkly, and neon.
I guess it must be the band geek in me, but something about putting together the store was so exciting, just like practicing and setting up for a performance was fun. I felt as though I was part of something big, and by the time the store was ready to open I could not wait to see the girls faces as they try on and squeal over cute clothes (as I had already done); and on my first shift, that's exactly what happened. The store also has a ton of accessories, from headbands to makeup, bags to pillows and other cool things for your room. I won't say the name of the store just to keep private, but it is US based and has only ten other locations in Canada, if I'm not mistaken. I've wanted to work at a clothing store for as long as I can remember, so I was so excited when I got this job!
Now that I know all the work and hours that are put into the set up and maintenance of a store, I'm going to take extra precautions when shopping myself, and here are my tips for you.
First of all, if you don't like something, don't just throw it back on the table. It ruins the display that took longer than you may think to arrange. :P Next, be nice to the salespeople. I know sometimes they are in your face, asking what you need and what you're looking for when all you want to do is browse, but it's their job to help you, so if you do have a question, ask, and if you don't, they will be happy to let you browse until you do need something. And lastly (this ties into the second point) if you do have a question about sizes, sales, or which clothes go together, don't be shy to ask. The salespeople know their stuff about what the store carries (because they stocked it!) and will be happy to help you make an outfit because it's more exciting than just standing around.
Stay stylish! :)
Segue into what I want to blog about today. I'm working at a new store for tween girls, and it opened last week. It was a lot of work setting up the store, but so much fun (especially since one of my best friends is a co-worker). A store doesn't put itself together magically (if only we were all witches and wizards and could wave a wand so that everything would be set up in a day); it takes long hours filled with unpacking, sensoring, folding or hanging, and arranging merchandise to look perfect. The store is filled with everything girly, cute, pink, sparkly, and neon.
I guess it must be the band geek in me, but something about putting together the store was so exciting, just like practicing and setting up for a performance was fun. I felt as though I was part of something big, and by the time the store was ready to open I could not wait to see the girls faces as they try on and squeal over cute clothes (as I had already done); and on my first shift, that's exactly what happened. The store also has a ton of accessories, from headbands to makeup, bags to pillows and other cool things for your room. I won't say the name of the store just to keep private, but it is US based and has only ten other locations in Canada, if I'm not mistaken. I've wanted to work at a clothing store for as long as I can remember, so I was so excited when I got this job!
Now that I know all the work and hours that are put into the set up and maintenance of a store, I'm going to take extra precautions when shopping myself, and here are my tips for you.
First of all, if you don't like something, don't just throw it back on the table. It ruins the display that took longer than you may think to arrange. :P Next, be nice to the salespeople. I know sometimes they are in your face, asking what you need and what you're looking for when all you want to do is browse, but it's their job to help you, so if you do have a question, ask, and if you don't, they will be happy to let you browse until you do need something. And lastly (this ties into the second point) if you do have a question about sizes, sales, or which clothes go together, don't be shy to ask. The salespeople know their stuff about what the store carries (because they stocked it!) and will be happy to help you make an outfit because it's more exciting than just standing around.
Stay stylish! :)
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Fiction about Fashion
First of all, sorry for the lack of posts, though this one will probably be the last until the end of April, after exams. I thought I'd post something a little different this time: some books where fashion is one of the key or underlying themes (well, maybe not themes, but basically, they're always talking about who's wearing what).
Pretty Little Liars
...started off as books! Yes, they did, and just as much as style is commented on in the show, so too with the books. Spencer Hastings was the preppy one, Hanna Marin was the girly girl, Emily Fields was the athlete, and Aria Montgomery was a mix of vintage / eclectic. Clearly they reinforced this with the show, putting Spencer in pleated skirts and plaid, Hanna in floral dresses and floaty tops, Emily in jeans and t-shirts, and Aria in leather jackets and feather earrings.
The Clique Series
Please do not groan. I know the series is corny and totally not realistic, but Lisi Harrison wrapped up the series with a really good lesson. I actually wanted to know what would have happened if there was another book! This series is about a group of spoiled seventh graders who take a new girl under their wing who doesn't care about fashion at all, just about making friends. The girls wear all the big labels like Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co., Juicy Couture, Ron Herman...the list goes on. They always need to have the latest trends and go shopping at least once a week. This series made me more aware of the biggest fashion designers and labels.
How to be Popular
This has got to be one of my all-time favourite books, though fashion is really only mentioned at the beginning, where social outcast Steph Landry wants to turn things around in her junior year of high school. The rest of the book describes her rise to the top (well, I guess you could say that); and contrary to what you may think, she does this solely by being nice and outgoing to everyone (even though they have tortured her for years).
Kiss & Blog, Art Geeks and Prom Queens
Two books by Alyson Noel that I absolutely love, plot-wise and fashion-wise. Kiss & Blog is about two girls deciding that this year (sophomore year) will be their time to shine. They've spent the summer reading fashion magazines, learning how to put on makeup, and buying new clothes. Unfortunately, Winter is not as willing to be fake and phony to get in with the popular crowd as her friend Sloane, who ditches her as soon as she makes it on the cheer-leading squad. Unlike Sloane, Winter has a more artsy fashion sense and prefers leather jackets, studs, tunics, and leggings to the pastel colours of the popular crowd. I only liked Art Geeks and Prom Queens because of the fashion at the beginning; the rest was along the lines of drinking, partying, and boyfriend drama, but it did have a good ending. The story line is similar to that of Kiss & Blog, except it's the new girl trying to fit in.
Frenemies
Another corny book about two best friends entering seventh grade (I know what you're thinking- "Maria, why on earth do you read tween novels?"). This book is all about fashion. The two girls take on writing an online fashion column for their school's paper. They have really good taste in fashion, and lots of advice on what to wear (and what not to wear). But the story takes a turn as the girls' tastes in clothes start to veer apart. Apparently there's a sequel, but I haven't read it (yet).
On another note, I finally made a Polyvore account! See my creations at http://mariathefashionista.polyvore.com/.
Stay stylish this month, as I won't be around to update you on doing so!
Pretty Little Liars
...started off as books! Yes, they did, and just as much as style is commented on in the show, so too with the books. Spencer Hastings was the preppy one, Hanna Marin was the girly girl, Emily Fields was the athlete, and Aria Montgomery was a mix of vintage / eclectic. Clearly they reinforced this with the show, putting Spencer in pleated skirts and plaid, Hanna in floral dresses and floaty tops, Emily in jeans and t-shirts, and Aria in leather jackets and feather earrings.
The Clique Series
Please do not groan. I know the series is corny and totally not realistic, but Lisi Harrison wrapped up the series with a really good lesson. I actually wanted to know what would have happened if there was another book! This series is about a group of spoiled seventh graders who take a new girl under their wing who doesn't care about fashion at all, just about making friends. The girls wear all the big labels like Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co., Juicy Couture, Ron Herman...the list goes on. They always need to have the latest trends and go shopping at least once a week. This series made me more aware of the biggest fashion designers and labels.
How to be Popular
This has got to be one of my all-time favourite books, though fashion is really only mentioned at the beginning, where social outcast Steph Landry wants to turn things around in her junior year of high school. The rest of the book describes her rise to the top (well, I guess you could say that); and contrary to what you may think, she does this solely by being nice and outgoing to everyone (even though they have tortured her for years).
Kiss & Blog, Art Geeks and Prom Queens
Two books by Alyson Noel that I absolutely love, plot-wise and fashion-wise. Kiss & Blog is about two girls deciding that this year (sophomore year) will be their time to shine. They've spent the summer reading fashion magazines, learning how to put on makeup, and buying new clothes. Unfortunately, Winter is not as willing to be fake and phony to get in with the popular crowd as her friend Sloane, who ditches her as soon as she makes it on the cheer-leading squad. Unlike Sloane, Winter has a more artsy fashion sense and prefers leather jackets, studs, tunics, and leggings to the pastel colours of the popular crowd. I only liked Art Geeks and Prom Queens because of the fashion at the beginning; the rest was along the lines of drinking, partying, and boyfriend drama, but it did have a good ending. The story line is similar to that of Kiss & Blog, except it's the new girl trying to fit in.
Frenemies
Another corny book about two best friends entering seventh grade (I know what you're thinking- "Maria, why on earth do you read tween novels?"). This book is all about fashion. The two girls take on writing an online fashion column for their school's paper. They have really good taste in fashion, and lots of advice on what to wear (and what not to wear). But the story takes a turn as the girls' tastes in clothes start to veer apart. Apparently there's a sequel, but I haven't read it (yet).
On another note, I finally made a Polyvore account! See my creations at http://mariathefashionista.polyvore.com/.
Stay stylish this month, as I won't be around to update you on doing so!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Spring Ahead!
I've been back creating sets on Polyvore, so you know what that means...
For this look I came across a picture of Jessica Simpson and I really liked her outfit so I recreated it here. Again, it's another casual-chic outfit- a loose top tucked into jean shorts will keep you cool on those hot summer days (okay, it's not summer yet, but it's always good to dream...). A brown belt and sandals add a bohemian edge to this look.
You can tell what trend I had in mind when creating this set. Pastels come back every spring, and it's no surprise why. Banish the black, grey, and other dark colours that you lived in all winter and replace them with pastel pinks, purples, greens, blues, and yellows for a look that screams spring!
I touched on these colours in my last post, and since then they have gained popularity in the fashion world. Referred to as 'water colours,' these shades of turquoise, aqua, cobalt blue, and lilac not only go perfectly together, but also have an exotic feel to them, as if you just took a trip to the Caribbean. Make a splash in your wardrobe this spring break even if you're staying at home!
This look combines the pastel trend with something I've been meaning to try- denim shirts. They look very comfortable and laid-back, but still stylish tucked into fitted skinny jeans. Paired with some gold jewellery, cute ballet flats, and your favourite sunglasses, this look is casual-chic.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Spring Trends 2012
The post you've all been waiting for (well, I have in any case)...
One year ago, I started this blog as an assignment for my grade 12 writer's craft course, and I really enjoyed making posts about fashion (and beauty) so I continued it and here I am a year later with nearly 30 posts and almost 400 page views! Thank you so much to my subscribers and anyone else who happens to stumble across my blog on a random Google search! I have many ideas for my blog so hopefully this year will be as exciting as the last! And now on to the latest trends for spring!
Floral
I am not surprised that floral print is back for another year. Who doesn't love wearing a small floral print to be girly or a bright colourful one to be bold? It is definitely my favourite trend of all time. Here are some ideas to build a garden...in your closet.
Wild Prints
If you're headed to the jungle, you'll blend right in with animal prints, tribal patterns, and earth tones. Silhouettes include shirt dresses, wrap skirts, cargo pants, and cross-body bags.
One year ago, I started this blog as an assignment for my grade 12 writer's craft course, and I really enjoyed making posts about fashion (and beauty) so I continued it and here I am a year later with nearly 30 posts and almost 400 page views! Thank you so much to my subscribers and anyone else who happens to stumble across my blog on a random Google search! I have many ideas for my blog so hopefully this year will be as exciting as the last! And now on to the latest trends for spring!
Floral
I am not surprised that floral print is back for another year. Who doesn't love wearing a small floral print to be girly or a bright colourful one to be bold? It is definitely my favourite trend of all time. Here are some ideas to build a garden...in your closet.
Lace
Also back again this year are the sweet and girly lace edges and necklines in tops, skirts, and dresses. A variation of this trend are eyelets, sort of like a hole punch pattern, but cuter, and also crochet, which is like lace, but with more detail. As well, this year lace comes in all different colours, not just white! Notice that the top pictured above combines floral and lace! So cute!!!
Bright Pants
This trend is hard to miss. Skinny jeans and jeggings are available in every colour of the rainbow this year, paired either with neutral or brightly coloured tops to create fun outfits that you can literally see from a mile away. Here are some outfit ideas from DailyLook. Notice that this trend can carry on into the middle of summer with brightly coloured shorts. I don't have too many ideas for this one, but you can check out American Eagle, Garage, and Aeropostale for more looks with bright jeans and shorts.
Wild Prints
If you're headed to the jungle, you'll blend right in with animal prints, tribal patterns, and earth tones. Silhouettes include shirt dresses, wrap skirts, cargo pants, and cross-body bags.
The Colour Palette and Accessories
Colours that are in this season include water colours such as turquoise, aqua, indigo, and sea green; bright colours especially in the red-orange area (think tangerine, a deep orange), and, of course, pastels such as light pink, mint green, soft yellow, and sky blue.
These colours will be seen mainly in jewellery and other accessories, as well as makeup (especially pastel nail polish, which I absolutely love). Set the trend with dangling earrings, tangerine coloured lipstick, pastel nail polish, or stacks of multicoloured bracelets.
Enjoy looking fabulous this spring!
Photo Credits
AEO Floral Scarf, $19.43, http://www.ae.com
Daisy Dolman Top, $12.25, http://www.aeropostale.com
AE Floral Corset Dress, $39.36, http://www.ae.com
Floral Boatneck Tee with lace inserts, $24.90, http://www.garage.ca
Cooperative Mixed Media Bag, $39.99, http://www.urbanoutfitters.com
Solid Eyelet Woven Dress, $20.00, http://www.aeropostale.com
AE Lace Panel Tee, $29.46, http://www.ae.com
AE Paneled Lace Tee, $29.46, http://www.ae.com
Belted Eyelet Skirt, $22.25, http://www.aeropostale.com
AE Crochet Detail Top, $29.46, http://www.ae.com
See http://www.dailylook.com for the three looks with bright bottoms.
Geometric Contrast Dress, $17.90, http://canada.forever21.com
Sparkle and Fade Roll-Tab Shirtdress, $59.00, http://www.urbanoutfitters.com
Truly Madly Deeply Slouchy Printed Tunic in brown and black & white, $34.00, http://www.urbanoutfitters.com
AE Artisan Dolman Sweater, $39.93, http://www.ae.com
AEO Suede Fringe Cross-body bag, $29.46, http://www.ae.com
Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipcolour, drugstores and http://www.maybelline.ca
Maybelline Eye Studio Colour Plush Silk eyeshadow, drugstores and http://www.maybelline.ca
Sun Medallion Earrings, $6.80, http://canada.forever21.com
AEO Beaded Turquoise and Pink bracelets, $15.48 each, http://www.ae.com
Sunday, February 19, 2012
A Plethora of Fashion News
First of all, sorry for the four week hiatus...assignments, studying, midterms all piled up (but they are done for now!). Though during the times when I should have been studying, I was thinking about my next blog post... I have discovered so much about fashion in the past month that I have no idea how to contain my excitement all in one post!!! My take on spring trends will be coming towards the end of this week (even though there's still snow out there), which will also mark my one year anniversary on Blogger!
Websites I have discovered
DailyLook-http://www.dailylook.com/?showhome=true
Clearly I've been missing out on this awesome, awesome website for some time. Basically, there is a different look posted every day (bet you got that much from the name), and the items go on sale for three days for DailyLook members. The easiest part is that you can sign up through Facebook, which allows you to comment on the look, upload photos of your recreations of the looks, and comment on other member's photos. Also, once you sign up (which I haven't...yes, I know I just said it was the easiest thing in the world), you will get personalized looks based on the outfits or articles of clothing that you've liked. Sounds like fun, right?
Modcloth- http://www.modcloth.com/
I've also been missing out on this one. Modcloth is an online store that sells indie, retro, and vintage clothing with a modern update. The main feature of this website is their collection of cute dresses. (There is a separate link dedicated to floral print dresses- need I say more?) They also sell home decor and offer style tips in their blog. Do the designers Betsey Johnson, BB Dakota, Jeffrey Campbell, and Kensie Girl sound familiar? Browse their styles here too!
Etsy- http://www.etsy.com/
You can find absolutely anything on Etsy, from clothes to jewellery, home furnishings, artwork, toys, patterns, cards...the list goes on. The unique part about it: everything is handmade! If you don't know where to start, my friend Amy makes and sells patterns for the cutest crocheted toys called Amigurumis! http://www.etsy.com/shop/amysgurumis?ref=seller_info
Magazine Comparison
The other thing I want to talk about is actually pretty recent. This past week I received both March issues for Seventeen and Fashion. This was the first issue of Fashion that I got and I was so excited to read something new and...Canadian! This magazine differs so much from Seventeen because it is aimed at adult readers, not teens. The trends are shown straight from the runway, which means high fashion comes with a high price. There are no "outfit ideas" or "runway looks for less;" nope, you get the full designer price (with some pieces from H&M). What I do like about Fashion is that there are actual articles about the trends and fashion, not just pictures of clothes and where they are from. It was exciting to read not only about the trends, but the latest in art, movies, music, books, and TV. A special feature that I enjoyed in Seventeen this month introduced the newest members of the Seventeen Style Council- made up of fashion bloggers (just like me! I wish I was chosen, how much fun would that be?) who all have a unique sense of style. Are the trends the same in both magazines? Yes, yes they are, and you will hear more about them soon! For the record, I like Seventeen for the many outfit ideas, and Fashion for the articles that inspire me to write more blog posts! Browse both magazines online:
http://www.fashionmagazine.com/
http://www.seventeen.com/
Stay stylish!
Websites I have discovered
DailyLook-http://www.dailylook.com/?showhome=true
Clearly I've been missing out on this awesome, awesome website for some time. Basically, there is a different look posted every day (bet you got that much from the name), and the items go on sale for three days for DailyLook members. The easiest part is that you can sign up through Facebook, which allows you to comment on the look, upload photos of your recreations of the looks, and comment on other member's photos. Also, once you sign up (which I haven't...yes, I know I just said it was the easiest thing in the world), you will get personalized looks based on the outfits or articles of clothing that you've liked. Sounds like fun, right?
Modcloth- http://www.modcloth.com/
I've also been missing out on this one. Modcloth is an online store that sells indie, retro, and vintage clothing with a modern update. The main feature of this website is their collection of cute dresses. (There is a separate link dedicated to floral print dresses- need I say more?) They also sell home decor and offer style tips in their blog. Do the designers Betsey Johnson, BB Dakota, Jeffrey Campbell, and Kensie Girl sound familiar? Browse their styles here too!
Etsy- http://www.etsy.com/
You can find absolutely anything on Etsy, from clothes to jewellery, home furnishings, artwork, toys, patterns, cards...the list goes on. The unique part about it: everything is handmade! If you don't know where to start, my friend Amy makes and sells patterns for the cutest crocheted toys called Amigurumis! http://www.etsy.com/shop/amysgurumis?ref=seller_info
Magazine Comparison
The other thing I want to talk about is actually pretty recent. This past week I received both March issues for Seventeen and Fashion. This was the first issue of Fashion that I got and I was so excited to read something new and...Canadian! This magazine differs so much from Seventeen because it is aimed at adult readers, not teens. The trends are shown straight from the runway, which means high fashion comes with a high price. There are no "outfit ideas" or "runway looks for less;" nope, you get the full designer price (with some pieces from H&M). What I do like about Fashion is that there are actual articles about the trends and fashion, not just pictures of clothes and where they are from. It was exciting to read not only about the trends, but the latest in art, movies, music, books, and TV. A special feature that I enjoyed in Seventeen this month introduced the newest members of the Seventeen Style Council- made up of fashion bloggers (just like me! I wish I was chosen, how much fun would that be?) who all have a unique sense of style. Are the trends the same in both magazines? Yes, yes they are, and you will hear more about them soon! For the record, I like Seventeen for the many outfit ideas, and Fashion for the articles that inspire me to write more blog posts! Browse both magazines online:
http://www.fashionmagazine.com/
http://www.seventeen.com/
Stay stylish!
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