Flannels in the Fall

There is nothing better than wearing flannel in the fall season. It seems as if it is completely acceptable to wear flannels for any occasion during this time of the year, and I am not going to object.

There is something about the crisp air and leaves on the ground that makes me reach for one of my flannels on a weekly basis. I love having a flannel shirt as one of the layers to my outfits during this time of year. I really wear a lot of plain clothing that the colors and patterns in flannels really give my outfit that pop it is missing.

In the photo below, I am wearing a flannel shirt in the most traditional way possible, but these shirts can be worn in so many other ways. The number of unique outfits that you can create by having just one or two flannels in your closet is unreal.

• Red/Blue Checkered Patterned Long Sleeve Flannel
• Semi-destroyed Blue Jeans
• Brown Combat Boots With Fur Trim
• Rose Gold Jewelry

Never be afraid to experiment with clothes, especially articles of clothes that can be used as an additional layer. The worst that could happen is that one of your friends say it doesn't look okay and you take off that layer, problem solved. Let fun pieces, like flannels, help you express who you are.

There are multiple ways to wear flannels. Check out these 20 style tips that gurl.com shared about flannel shirts! It'll definitely be something you're going to want to bookmark or save!!

http://www.gurl.com/2014/11/01/style-tips-how-to-wear-plaid-flannel-shirt-outfit-ideas/

Fun With Leggings

I am not afraid to make a statement with my outfits. Every outfit that I wear represents who I am in someway. This week is me showing that I am a truly child at heart at the age of twenty-two.

I am a huge Disney fanatic. I can proudly say that I have all the classic Disney movies  that are still working as video cassettes. I love having fun with my clothes. Plus I own so many clothes that have Disney characters that it might be considered embarrassing for someone my age, but I don't care. I loved my childhood that was filled with some of the best movies and there is nothing wrong with that.

Out of many of the Disney clothing articles that I own, my Lion King leggings are one of my favorites. The pattern of the sky, stars and how Simba wraps around both legs is unique and creative.

In the photo I am wearing:

Excuse my excited self, I was having a little too much fun taking pictures of this outfit.

 I guess you could say this is my inner child acting out.

• Black Long Sleeve Shirt
• The Lion King Leggings
• Black-Spiked Combat Boots
• Silver Jewelry

 When wearing an article of clothing that is really bright and bold, it is important to let that article of clothing speak for itself. Do not dull its sparkle with more color. For this outfit I chose to wear a black shirt and shoes so that the leggings would stand out. 

I personally feel that people are afraid to step out of their comfort zone and wear patterned leggings. All I can say is that by owning patterned leggings they can increase your wardrobe and allow you to represent another side of yourself in a unique way.

Want to know more about funky patterned leggings and how to wear them? Check out this article written by Steff Green who gives you the basic rules for all leggings and then some for patterned ones!

http://www.rebelsmarket.com/blog/posts/how-to-wear-your-printed-or-patterned-leggings

**In the past few weeks I have covered a lot of outfits for both males and females. If there is something that you would like to see or want to make a suggestion, leave a comment below and I'll check it out! Thanks!

A Hat Is Not Just A Hat...

I know I am not the only girl that gets up in the morning and thinks, "what am I going to do with this hair today?"

I do not like spending a lot of time getting ready at anytime of the day, let alone in the morning. I will take all the extra time I can to sleep, however it is still important to care about your appearance because you never know who you are join go run into.

I enjoy wearing hats because it allows me to express another side of me that many do not get to see. I love the outdoors. Any free time I get I am usually outside fishing or hiking just to get a break from all of the craziness going on in my life.

When I am tired and not in the mood to do my hair, hats are my go-to quick fix. I wear hats to class, shopping, and going out with friends too. As long as the hat you chose compliments your outfit, you will be good to go!

In this photo I am wearing:

• Brown Long-Sleeve Shirt
• Black Vest with Blue Undertone
• Black Leggings
• Brown and White Hiking Socks
• Black Boots
• Tan Penn State Fly Fishing Baseball Hat

I personally love rocking a hat with my hair down or with a pony tail. If you're interested in seeing more ways to wear hats you can check out this link that can give great examples of how to style your hair with a hat in 9 different ways!

A hat is not just a hat. A hat is the expression of a woman's soul.

-Lily Doche

Sweater Weather

I love the fall season! It's one of the best times of the year because the leaves are changing, the air is getting crisp and sweaters are back in season.

Almost everyday I have a sweater either on me or with me. Sweaters can help spruce up your outfit by just being another layer or adding some color. Sweaters come in all shapes and sizes and the more you have, the more outfits you can create with your existing closet.

During this time of year I enjoy wearing the thinner over-sized sweaters that do not require me to carry around a jacket. I am at school and work a lot and the less I have to carry, the better. I love being comfy during the day and what better way to be comfy than wearing an over-sized sweater.

In the photo I am wearing:

• Black and White Knitted Over-sized Sweater
• Black Leggings
• Multi-colored Black Knitted Socks
• Black Combat Boots
• Silver Jewelry

I would say that this outfit is extremely simply, but I do not think that anything needs to be added to it because it simply speaks for itself. I had a little fun with added some color in my socks but I'm probably the only person that noticed. Sweaters can only dress up an outfit and if I had the choice I would be wearing one everyday. 

Here's a tip:

Sweaters can be expensive. I do not like spending twenty five dollars on a sweater during this time of the year. So, what I usually do is wait until fall and winter is over and all the sweaters go on sale. I might not get a sweater that I saw earlier in the season, but there will be other sweaters that I can fall in love with, not only for the looks but also for the price.

There are so many other ways to wear sweaters during this time of year. Check out the link to see what types of outfits you can create with the sweaters that you have!

http://fashion.allwomenstalk.com/amazingly-stylish-ways-to-wear-an-over-sized-sweater

"I'm a pretty casual fella."

This week I was inspired to find out what causal wear is for men. I believe that men also struggle with understanding what it means when someone says, "dress casual."

Casual attire is more of a relaxed look that men can wear for a number of occasions. I feel that guys are not held to the same societal standard that women are held to when it comes to wearing comfy clothes. In my opinion, men can literally wake up, throw on some clothes and walk out the door. After talking to a few friends about their own style, I might be mistaken on how easy getting dressed is for a guy.

My friend below is wearing an outfit that he would typically wear to class. He is wearing:

1. White Long Sleeve Shirt

2. Black Vest

3. Grey Joggers

4. Black Leather Converse High Tops

Even though he is wearing sweatpants, the other items that he has added to this outfit made it acceptable to be casual.

Guys also struggle with outfits that are considered dressy casual. Guys too care about their appearance, maybe not as much as females do, but they still care. Whether they are going out for a night out with the guys or going on a date with a girl, guys put thought into their appearance.

This is a great outfit that can be worn for going out with the guys or going out on a date, depending on the restaurant of course. My friend here is wearing: 

1. Oversized White T-Shirt

2. Flannel-Hooded Shirt

3. White/Gold Faced Watch

3. Speckled Grey/Black Jeans

4. White Ralph Lauren High Tops

I love this outfit because of all the layers of clothing. Many fashion articles, that are focused on mens fashion, say that layering is one of the best things a guy can do. It adds dimension and character to their outfit. 

Now sometimes, depending on the event, males are required to dress up a little bit more than jeans and a nice shirt. Usually men should dress themselves up more when they are going to a family holiday party, church, or even cocktail tastings! In this photo, my friend is wearing:

1. White Dress Shirt (sleeves rolled up)

2. White/Gold Faced Watch

3. Brown Dress Pants

4. Brown Leather Belt

5. Navy Blue High Top Boat Shoes

Men do struggle with what to wear like women do. From my perspective, I think it is easier for a man to figure out what he is going to wear, but after talking to a few of my close friends, I've learned that they get frustrated just like I do. Men do care about their appearance just like females do, they're just really good at not showing their frustration. 

If you wanna check out some more tips for guys attire, check out the link below.

http://restartyourstyle.com/2770/casual-style-tips-for-guys/

I'm super glad I decided to focus this weeks blog on male casual attire. If anything, I learned that guys care just as much about their appearance and their attire as females do. Maybe we should tell them they look good more often!

Just Act Normal &Look Casual

It is so hard to define casual wear. When someone tells me to dress casual, I panic and freak out because the term casual is so broad. I have learned that when someone tells me to dress casual, I ask them to define it for me by asking, dressy casual or just casual. I feel that when I ask that question, I can get a better understanding as to how I should dress, this way I can avoid feeling uncomfortable and out of place for the evening. It is a terrible feeling and I know I'm not the only one who has ever felt this way about what they are wearing. By defining what type of casual wear, you can save yourself a lot of time and stress and just pick out an outfit that you feel comfortable in.

CASUAL

Casual attire is such a broad area that confuse so many people. I always dress comfortably and in clothes that I feel define me in some way. Casual could mean just throwing on a pair of jeans and a   t-shirt to go to the movies or leggings and a sweater to go to class. There really is no right or wrong, unless you go over the top, which is surprisingly easy to do. I get caught quite often making my casual outfit into a dressy one by adding unnecessary elements.

The photo is a picture of my friend, Branna, who is dressed casually.

Branna is wearing:

• Hoodie/Denim Jacket
• Ghost-busters Graphic T-Shirt
• Black/Faux Leather Leggings
• Black Low Rise Shoes

What I love about this outfit is how transitional it is. This could be an outfit that she goes out shopping in, or just going to meet for lunch with friends. Later she could change her shirt and go out to dinner and it would still be acceptable. By owning an item of clothing that is very versatile, like her leggings, she could create so many outfits with this essential item.


DRESSY CASUAL

It is always important to remember to be comfortable in the clothes that you are wearing. It is always confusing to me when someone tells me to dress casual. Many times throughout my college career, I have been told to dress casually. So to play it safe, I always just wear a dressy casual outfit just to avoid that feeling of awkwardness if I'm dressed down. You could wear a dressy casual outfit if you have a presentation for a class that does not require you to dress business professional, to work if you do not have a required uniform or even out to dinner with your friends.

In the picture, I am wearing:

• Loose Ivory Colored Shirt
• Olive Green Jeans
• Caramel Colored Booties
• Gold Jewelry 
• Teal/Green Purse

I love this outfit so much because it is so simple. Just the colors of the pieces that I paired together create the outfit without any extra pieces being added. I do love wearing different colored jeans, especially in the fall. I wore this outfit because I had a meeting at school that day. Even though it was not an important meeting, it was still important that I dressed how I wanted to be addressed. This outfit could be just another casual outfit if I would change my shoes. I could just throw on some sandals and then it would be casual.

For more information on how to dress for casual wear and/or any other type of outfits, check out the link below for additional ideas and help.

http://emilypost.com/advice/attire-guide-dress-codes-from-casual-to-white-tie/

By adding different pieces together, you can really create a lot of outfits with what you already have without going out and buying more. Colors are always fun to add to outfits too, so don't be afraid to wear more of it! I am a firm believer that simplicity equals sophistication, so please just act normal and look casual.

Dress How You Want to be Addressed

Knowing how to dress professionally is extremely important and beneficial today. Both men and women have unstated guidelines that they follow when dressing for work, an interview or even a job fair. When meeting with an individual with authority, it is important to look professional so that you are taken seriously and given respect.

I feel that when the word 'professional' is placed in front of attire, many choke and think that they have to wear very plain clothes and simple colors. There are many ways to dress up without taking it over the top. Both men and women can add pieces to their attire that are unique and reflect who they are while still meeting the 'unstated' requirements of professional dress attire.

Women are strongly judged on how they look on a constant basis. Here are a few tips to remember when dressing for your next business professional adventure!

You can never go wrong with a business suit, a skirt or slacks is okay, just dress for the appropriate weather conditions.

• A button up shirt is always a smart move and looks professional, as long as it's ironed
• Closed toed shoes is a must. Never, ever wear open toed shoes. It just does not fit the part.
• Minimal jewelry is good, you do not want to take any attention away from yourself and what your saying by having annoying, noisy jewelry. 

I had to attend a job fair this week and this is what I wore. 

*Photo credit to S.S.

1. Black blazer with matching black slacks
2. Off white chiffon blouse
3. Black matte close toed shoes
4. Black post earrings
5. Black and chrome brushed statement necklace

I had minimal make-up on and my hair pulled back so that it was out of my face, so those who I spoke with could see who they were talking to.

Here's a link for women who need help with how to dress for different professional occasions!

http://womens-fashion.lovetoknow.com/What_is_Professional_Business_Attire_for_Women

Men have an easier job when dressing for business professional occasions. Here are a few of my suggestions on how males could when going to a job interview or the office!

• A dress suit is a must for men. (Neutral colors it the best decision to make, black, navy, tan)
• Wear a button up shirt that actually fits. This is where you can add some color to your wardrobe. (Men, it's okay to wear pink!)
• A tie with a pattern to add a pop to your outfit is a nice touch and allows you to express your personality.
• Clean black dress shoes are required. Unless you are wear navy, then brown dress shoes are encouraged.
• A watch is a nice finishing touch that will help you look more professional, and it will let you know what time it is!

I was able to take some photos of men that also attended the job fair and this is what they wore.

On the left, Lou Payne:

1. Navy blue button up shirt with olive green slacks
2. A grey, light blue and navy blue stripped tie
3. A brown leather belt
4. Dark brown dress shoes
5. A brown, leather watch

On the right, Eric Bernardo:

1. Navy blue blazer and navy blue slacks
2. A white button up shirt
3. A white and red stripped tie
4. Black dress shoes

Both males are dressed professionally in their own different ways. This just goes to show that men do have options on how to dress differently, just not as many as women do.

Here's a link to for men on how to dress for different professional settings.

http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/dress-sharp-tips-young-men/

For both men and women, it is always better to be over dressed than under dressed. Remember, how you dress at all times reflects who you are and how you want others to view you in the world. Always dress with a purpose so that you are seen as having one.

Check me in my Chuck Taylors

The people that know me know that I have a terrible obsession with shoes. I think that shoes are the most important part of a persons outfit. When meeting people I always look at their shoes before I even look at their face. I believe you can tell a lot about a person by seeing what kind of shoes they are wearing.

My Chuck Taylor's are one of my favorite pairs of shoes that I own. I can wear them with almost anything; jeans, shorts, leggings,a dress,etc... Plus it helps because they are white too, and white can go with anything. The hard part about wearing white shoes is keeping them clean.

Owning white shoes can be a job. Shoes are expensive to begin with, and by owning a pair that are made of stark white canvas material, can be a pain. So after I wear my Chuck Taylor's I clean them. It really is a pain but it works out for the best in the end. I have had these pair for over a year and a half now and they still look like I bought them yesterday.

Here's some tips as to how you can keep your white shoes clean!

1. Spray shoes before wearing them with the appropriate repel spray.
2. Clean after wearing EACH time
3. Store shoes in the shoe box (this way they are protected at all times)
4. Use a toothbrush and any abrasive powdered cleaner with water. Scrub mixture on the soles until they are white again
5. Avoid any messy area where the shoes could be potentially ruined (grass, mud, rainy days, etc...)

Here's a link that can show you some other do's and don'ts on how to keep your white shoes in great condition!

http://fashionista.com/2014/08/white-leather-how-to-clean

I'm not feeling too good this week, so being comfy matters a lot. I decided to wear leggings with a sweatshirt and a flannel button up. My white Chuck Taylor's added a pop of color to my outfit and helped me make a minimal statement.

Many struggle with the idea of owning white shoes because it's too much and the chances are high on ruining them. I say, go for it! White shoes can help create a lot of fun outfits and can be an essential part of your wardrobe. Take a risk and buy the damn shoes!

*Photo cred goes to my girl B.W.*

All Black Everything

It will not be hard to see that I love the color black, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing the color black often. I find that people often assume that when others wear black they are in a bad mood or sad about something. The truth is, I am most comfortable when I am wearing the color black.

I find black being one of the most versatile colors that can go with just about anything. Now, rarely will I go out in just all black, but majority of the time I add a pop of color somewhere in my outfit. By adding a colorful sweater, scarf or even jewelry, I am able to avoid looking like a stealthy ninja and pull of a one of a kind casual look in my own unique way.

My outfit today consisted of a black top, black jeans, black boot, a denim button-up shirt and silver and black accessories. All of these items can be found in stores at reasonable prices. The best part is that I can mix any one of these basic clothing items to create another outfit to get me through another day!

"When You Dress Good, You Feel Good and You Do Good"

Fashion is a way for individuals to express themselves. My closet is full of all types and styles of clothing that I have collected through the years. I do not like to categorize myself when it comes to my style. I do not have one signature style or one look that I pull off every day. I like to change up my attire daily and be different. Through fashion, I feel that I am able to express myself in any way that I please.

 My dad has always told me that, "when you dress good, you feel good and you do good." I have found this saying to be effective many times in my life. I am all about being comfortable in the clothes you wear, but that does not restrict you to sweatpants and a hoodie. It is possible to be comfortable and look presentable at the same time. You never really know who you might run into!

I believe that a problem that we have in our society today is the price we pay to keep up with the current trends. On magazine covers, Instagram photos, Facebook, and any other social media platforms you look at, you see celebrities sporting the newest trends. The key is to not go out and buy those specific items the celebrities were wearing; the key is to finding articles of clothing that you can piece together and make it something similar to what is in the photos. 

Many people, including myself, cannot afford the luxury of buying clothes from high priced designers, but what I can do is create outfits that go along with the trends at a price that I can afford. The only hard part if finding the great deals. I like to buy basic essential items that I know I will be able to piece with other types of outfits, pieces that won't restrict me to one type of style.

Having different styles is a choice that I make, because I find myself comfortable in different styles. How I dress does not define me as a person, but it does give others a glimpse as to what I am like. I just like to feel good in what I am wearing, and I like to stick to the basics.

Here is an article that I read about fashion a few months ago. I enjoy how the author, Katherine LaGrave describes fashion in the society we live in today.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/katherine-lagrave/why-is-fashion-important_b_1568465.html

Hello! This is my very first blogging experience, and I am very excited to see where this goes! I have always loved fashion and seeing how, as time changes, so do our styles. This blog will be focusing on fashion, but through a unique aspect. Clothing today can be very expensive, but there are ways you can still keep with the trends and not break your bank. By going back to the very basics, you can create any outfit with the clothes that you already have and not have to go out and buy new. Hopefully, through this blog, I will be able to convey my ideas to others reading and maybe inspire some new ideas.