Anna P

Fashion December 23, 2018

How to Wear the Holidays According to the Fall 2018 Couture Collections

Christmas is right around the corner- like 2 or 3 days away depending on what you consider to be the “real Christmas”- and that means you still have a couple of days left to find the perfect Christmas/New Years outfit to make everyone in your family (even those annoying distant relatives) think “man they look good- they must have their s*** together!”

If you’re looking for some inspiration to punch up your holiday outfit ideas, your search ends here! I’ve dug through the trove of outfit inspiration to end all outfit inspiration- the Fall 2018 couture collections! If you want to make an impression that will last a lifetime, get your pen and paper ready to furiously take some notes. You’re going to need them! Check out some of my favorite trends that would definitely serve you well during the holiday season:

Comfy, Chunky Knits

Winter is knit season, so what better addition to a cozy winter ‘fit than a good sweater? Except, this time, take your idea of a comfy knit and turn up the intensity like 3 or 4 notches. What have you got to lose by going bigger? Chunkier? Bolder?? The answer is nothing, so go for it!

Source: Sonia Rykiel Couture Fall 2018 via Vogue.com

Shimmery, Red Sequins

Your Christmas ornament should be flattered- get it? Because imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Enough with the jokes! Red sequins will add so much festive fun to any look, you’ll feel like a party on legs! Anything with this much shine will also look incredible next to a well-decorated tree, so break out your Kira Kira app and get snapping!

Source: Left- Maison Francesco Scognamiglio, Center- Alberta Ferretti Limited Edition, Right- Zuhair Murad via Vogue.com

Get Into Green

We’ve given red a shout out, so we thought it would only be fair to do the same for the season’s other most iconic color- green! We’ve already spoken about why green is a huge color this season, but if that isn’t reason enough to get this color into your life, just consider how spirited you will look in green with red accessories!

Source: Left- Jean Paul Gaultier, Center & Right- Valentino via Vogue.com

Sugarplum Pink

The Nutcracker Ballet’s very own Sugarplum Fairy is taking note of these gorgeous gowns. Shimmery, feathery, light, sheer and romantic- these dresses are dreams woven into reality! Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t wear a soft, Spring-y shade. You totally should! And look like a total cutie doing it!

Source: Fendi Couture Fall 2018 via Vogue.com

Sleek Black

The Little Black Dress has never looked so good. While every woman needs a good LBD, you should have a GREAT one with fun details like a dramatic slit, some funky bows, or a full, cupcake skirt that’s just too fun to pass up. Plus, you can add pretty much any accessory to a black dress, so go nuts and really make it your own!

Source: Chanel Couture Fall 2018 via Vogue.com

Oversized, Dramatic Silhouettes

Make sure that when you show up to the Christmas celebration everyone turns and thinks to themselves “She. Has. Arrived.” with a dramatic dress that’s only a little bit extra. Okay, a lot extra. But look at how fun these looks are! It will all be worth it!

Source: Left- Valentino, Center & Right- Giambattista Valli Couture Fall 2018 via Vogue.com

Prim Pleats

Posh, pretty, preppy pleats are the perfectway to dress up your holiday outfits- just look at how sharp and shimmery these are! If you want to look like an angel, or a mermaid, then this trend may be just the thing you need and were lucky enough to stumble across!

Source: Azzaro Couture Fall 2018 via Vogue.com

Even if you didn’t find what you were looking for, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! No matter what you wear to celebrate, you’ll look amazing! What are your plans gearing up for the new year? Let me know in the comments!

Poem Of The Week December 20, 2018

Grasping the Scissors

i want to cut it off
this angelic golden down that adorns my head
and cascades down my back
in classic, virginal ringlets.
cut it off and then maybe the weight off my head
will ease the weight on my chest too…

it’s always been here, it’s always been this
great blonde curtain to hide my shame and sorrow
and i have always loved it..
brushing it in slow, long strokes,
watching it fall between my fingers in the mirror.
i have always loved it more than i have loved myself..
lovingly combing in luxurious oils,
letting it fall how it wanted,
letting it dry for hours and hours as it curled itself
under the influence of only the wind and sun.

yes this great adornment of gold and luster,
i have loved it like it possesses its own soul.

but why is it that i cannot love myself if
this wispy beauty is a part of me?
(the only defining feature upon
my bland genetic makeup.)

if i cut it off maybe it will cease breathing
and i can begin again.
maybe if i can nurture and love new growth
then i can let myself grow too,
from root to tip in the way my body manufactures
it’s many many many cells

Submit your original poetry to anna@theyoungeclectic.com to be featured! Poetry is very important to me, so I would love to take any chance I can get to share the work of other poets and creators!

Runway December 19, 2018

Wait… How Did I Forget About Moschino’s Retro Alien Girls?

So, as you all may know, fashion moves at lightning speed. Collections are released almost a year ahead of time, everyone furiously writes about them for approximately a day, then they are forgotten, grains of sand blowing away in the winds of time. It is often this aspect of fashion that makes me the most sad.

A truly good collection should last longer than that, or at least cut through the cluttered “runway show” section of my memory. Many good collections do- they live on in collages I create, or articles I write. But one managed to slip my mind, a collection that combined a cheery, retro, ’60s aesthetic with a potent dose of fantasy- Moschino Fall/Winter 2018.

How could I have forgotten about it? Not only does the collection feature plenty of Jackie O hairstyles, prim pillbox hats and rainbow bright, matchy-matchy ’60s skirt suits, it also let loose a gaggle of adorable alien girls painted in nearly every hue of the rainbow. Like, honestly, how freaking cool is that? I’m actually pretty much obsessed with the retro-futuristic vision of aliens, so the fact that I had to be reminded of this truly bonkers collection by scrolling through Google Images is concerning to me.

Jeremy Scott, the creative director of Moschino, got his inspiration for this collection of intergalactic go-go girls from a conspiracy theory: JFK told Marilyn Monroe about the existence of aliens, a fact that she was going to bring to the press, which is what led her to be killed. He used this as a jumping-off point for his own bananas theory: Jackie Kennedy was an alien all along and killed both JFK and Marilyn Monroe. Whaaaaaaaat. How much more fun can a collection get?

Besides the obvious shining moment of the head-to-toe painted models, the collection also boasted some fun comic-inspired prints and vintage-looking satin evening dresses stitched together with glam sequin pieces to create some kind of retro-futuristic Franken-gown. All of these details brought so much fun and light into the collection, which I enjoyed from start to finish. While I’m not usually a fan of Scott’s collections (gimmicks don’t appeal to me) this one just happened to speak to my own personal aesthetic. So, if you also forgot about this gem of a collection, do yourself a favor and get re-acquainted with some of the best looks below:

All photos found on Vogue.com

Fashion December 18, 2018

Winter Style Is Like an Onion – It Has Layers

If you’re living in the Northern Hemisphere at least one thing is probably obvious to you: It’s December and that means it’s winter around these parts and even if you live in a hot and steamy locale like lovely Texas, and winter might not be as cold as your mental image of a white winter, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get just a little chilly occasionally (think- those days where you walk outside and you don’t instantly start sweating). And when it’s chilly, layers become an integral part of your style choices because they give you the option to add or subtract warmth as you go, which can be very convenient if you traverse in and out of doors with frequency.

I happen to love fall and winter fashion precisely because of the layering. The more layers, the more possibilities- and one of my favorite things to do is figure out ways to wear my clothes that I’ve never thought of before. I put together a few outfits that make creative use of layering to celebrate the colder weather. Check out my creations below:

Velvet and Faux Fur: A Match Made In Heaven

Velvet is one of the most indulgent materials of the winter season and it pairs so well with the shabby-chic vibe of my thrifted, faux fur jacket. Plus, I layered a sheer, high-collared shirt underneath for an extra layer of detail that really made this fancy look pop.

Festive (?) Black

Are you questioning whether or not black can be festive? This is an interesting question, one that perhaps deserves a separate discussion. For now, check out the way I layered this flowing velvet/satin shirt over a high-collared, vintage Victorian shirt which I thrifted in high school to play an 1800s rich woman on the go at our annual art gallery event. A red plaid jacket, some glittery sock boots and a gold key pin worn directly over the heart finish off this otherwise understated look with festive flair.

Sexier-Than-Normal Librarian

When I first styled this outfit, I was really skeptical that it would actually look good, and to be honest, the jury is still out. I paired my long, thrifted plaid, pleated skirt (honestly a dream find that has been rotting in my closet since high school before I rediscovered it) with a velvet mock-neck top and a funky loose-knit blouse. Some dangling tassel earrings were the finishing touch. Perhaps the best part of the outfit are these cute little block heels- they remind me so much of Barbie shoes that they never fail to make me smile!

Bombshell Ingenue Looking For Love

Honestly, I might have saved the best for last. Just look at how cute this ruffled, green dress is layered over a mock-neck, short-sleeve sweater. And with a black peacoat on top, I look like I belong in a romance novel, searching for love during the loneliest season of the year. Of course I added a white rose to the look, just to drum up drama. Why not?

If you liked these outfits, thanks! I appreciate it! If they’re not your thing, that’s totally fine because most of the fun of fashion is having different perspectives and learning and collaborating with each other! Stay tuned for even more styled shoots in the near future!

Poem Of The Week December 14, 2018

Waning Moon

I see less of you every day
and your face asks quiet questions

if it’s broken, can it be fixed?
if not, where can I throw it away?

the way we see the road is our heart
and in the end, we are only the dust on our boots
and the sound of a closed door

we can’t have broken glass all the time
we can’t have the wind
and all of that golden grass
that looks like hair and heaven

pull it out
by the roots
and chuck it

I can’t answer for you
your silence, agony and heat
we have broken back to the surface
a sweet-sour wavering slump
and suck the sugar from each other’s lips
and fingers
but find nothing
but the salt of an ocean

Submit your original poetry to anna@theyoungeclectic.com to be featured! Poetry is very important to me, so I would love to take any chance I can get to share the work of other poets and creators!

Runway December 14, 2018

Malamute Spring 2019 Shows Us the Meaning of Knitted Perfection

While everyone is moving their attention towards the incoming Pre-Fall 2019 collections, I’m still caught up on Spring/Summer 2019. There were so many amazing collections, and many of the smaller ones did not receive the recognition they deserve. One of my favorite small collections from the season was Malamute Spring/Summer 2019 which brought us a cultivated collection of fun, preppy looks mixed with impeccable knits all inspired by Christopher Nolan’s movie Memento which explored the thread of memory and repetition.

Although this was Mari Odaka’s ninth collection with Malamute, this collection was the runway debut of her stunning knits and gorgeously-tailored dresses that perfectly suit the female form. The looks that shone the most, in my opinion, were the retro-looking linen dresses with fringe across the bodice- they had such a charming, western vibe that was hard not to admire.

Other standouts included two fitted knit dresses and plenty of distressed denim outfits to inspire my off-duty wardrobe. And the red details sprinkled throughout the looks really served to bring everything together into one refreshing collection of western-inspired looks to lust after. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more from Odaka’s Malamute in the years to come!

Check out a few of my favorite looks from the collection below:

All photos found on Vogue.com

Fashion December 9, 2018

Giftable Accessories Your Fashionable Friends Will Adore

It’s the season of gifting and that means it’s also the season of not knowing what to give anyone! If you’re like me, you have to ask at least five different people for an opinion before you settle on a gift for somebody.

Gifting is stressful! It’s hard to find gifts for people that don’t want or need anything and it’s even harder to know where to start looking because there’s just so much out there! But today you’re in luck because you’ve found this article, presumably because you would like a few ideas on what to gift a fashionable friend or family member.

I crawled the web- all of my favorite sites, and found some trendy accessories I think any fashion-lover would jump at the chance to add to their wardrobes. Check out and shop my picks below:

Lovely Little Belt

Heart motifs never fail to make a big statement. Help your friend cinch their waist in style with this chic and adorable belt. The black and gold coloring ensure it will match nearly any wardrobe!

Cleo Belt, $78 via Anthropologie

Blue Velvet Belt Bag

The belt bag is the chic update to the much renowned and equally reviled fanny pack- and I love it! Not only is it super convenient for holding your phone, keys and wallet, the simple addition of a bold, blue bag can instantly elevate your outfit.

WANT Quilt for Stamina Velvet Belt Bag, $36 via Nasty Gal

Artsy Pearl Earrings

Earrings are such a great, subtle way to inject more style into even simple outfits. I love these danglers because gold and pearl is such an elegant pairing- plus the asymmetry makes them look like a wearable piece of art!

Pearl Detail Asymmetric Earrings, $29.99 via Mango

Funky A-Okay Hand Cuff

While we’re on the topic of artsy accessories, check out these fun hand cuffs (ha!). If your friend is a fan of adding interesting little details to their looks, then these unique bracelets will certainly come in HANDy (I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop myself!).

Hand Jive Hinge Cuff Bracelet by Madewell, $28 via Nordstrom

Extra-Long, Extra-Stylish Gloves

A lot of times gloves are an afterthought, just something used to keep you warm, but that’s not how it has to be! Get your friend a pair of gloves they can be proud of- like these glamorous stunners that go all the way up the arm.

Long Wool Gloves, $99 via Cos

Charming Statement Sandals

While I don’t consider shoes to be an accessory per se, these pretty little block heeled sandals certainly caught my attention. Whether you choose glitter or feathers, these shoes will add all of the charm an outfit requires.

Block-Heeled Sandals, $29.99 via H&M

Personalized Preppy Hair Ribbon

Spruce up your friends’ ponytails with a neat, embroidered hair ribbon. Such a silky bow will add some prep to any look. Plus, each of these beauties comes embroidered with your friends’ initials for a personal touch.

Embroidered Satin Hair Tie by Lelet NY, $70 via Net-A-Porter

Edgy Carabiner Necklace

Normal, dangly necklaces have never been all that appealing to me. A necklace should add interest to an outfit, another layer of style. I think all of your fashionable friends would appreciate this interesting necklace made from different sorts of clasps, making fashion out of everyday objects.

Carabiner Necklace, $29.90 via Zara

Colorful Printed Silk Scarf

Everyone needs a good silk scarf in their wardrobe because it’s simply one of the most versatile accessories. Wear it around the neck, tied to a purse strap, around the waist as a belt, in the hair as a hair tie or headband… the options are nearly endless. I love one that can add a pop of color, like this Gucci one.

Printed Silk-Twill Scarf by Gucci, $195 via Net-A-Porter

Plaid Winter Cap

If you and your friends live in a cold region, there is one thing you all need to get through the winter: a good, warm cap. I fell in love with this one because it doesn’t look like your normal warm hat, but it features ear flaps and an under-chin ribbon to keep it fastened to your head. And the plaid is just so cute!

Thinking Cap, $70 via Man Repeller

Expressive Hair Clips

I became totally obsessed with these hair clips from the first time I saw them on the runway- they’re just so bold and fun! If your friends are looking for a daring way to spice up their hair game, then these clips might be just what they’re looking for.

Transparent Hair Clips by Ashley Williams London, $102-$131 via Ssense

Extreme Cat-Eye Sunglasses

A good pair of sunglasses can make any outfit more chic. Lately eyewear trends have been all over the place, and one of the most prominent trends I’ve noticed is the retro cat eye shape, but over-the-top. Any fan of retro/vintage style will love these!

The Wild Gift Sunglasses, $79 via Crap Eyewear

I hope this gave you some ideas to help combat the stress of finding a gift for somebody who seemingly has everything! Stay tuned for more holiday content coming soon!

Runway December 7, 2018

Ancient Egypt Gets a Makeover with Chanel Pre-Fall 2019

The Chanel Pre-Fall 2019, Métiers d’Art show was a momentous event that transported viewers back to ancient Egypt with a catwalk that appropriately took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Temple of Dendur exhibit. Models slunk across the runway shimmering in all manner of gold and adorned in accessories that nodded to ancient Egyptian culture (see scarab beetles galore, pyramid-shaped purses, round hats and elaborate collars.)

chanel pre-fall 2019 métiers d’art fashion runway egypt style — A shendyt-inspired skirt and large, sweeping collar/shoulder silhouette gave this classic Chanel Tweed suit an Egyptian twist. Plus those gold tights- wow! (Photo: Vogue.com)

While the clothing certainly looked striking on screen, the pieces are best appreciated up close, as to observe the great amount of handmade detail that went into them. The gold-woven tweeds were made with tulle, sequin and metallic ribbon, while some gauzy gold materials are an elaborate mesh of tiny golden beads and each knit is encrusted with shimmering paillettes to imitate ancient Egyptian jewelry. Each look in the collection is an impressive work of art that deserves appreciation.

While ancient Egypt has had its influence in popular culture throughout the past century, this collection has brought many interesting aspects of Egyptian style back into the limelight, including skirts with a slight rise in the front in imitation of the Egyptian kilt-style wrap skirts. One of the styling choices that interested me the most was the layering of the classic Chanel tweed suits over the ankle-length wispy, white skirts that nodded back to the styles worn by Cleopatra and her women.

The collection also managed to meld aspects of 1980s NYC (Chanel’s showing in New York was a first for the brand)- with wide, sweeping shoulders, oversized blazers and loud prints that echo back to those popular in the ’80s, which were also a celebration of graffiti art.

While this collection was a triumph of artistic endeavor and luxurious craftsmanship, it didn’t pique my interest aesthetically. Although the liquid-y, gold tights were gorgeous, I’m not the biggest fan of gold in fashion, as I believe it can easily look cheap, tawdry and make any well-meaning outfit look like a costume. I do believe some of the gold details in this collection cheapened the looks, but perhaps that is because I didn’t experience the show in-person and was not able to see the work put into each piece. Pictures can only show so much!

Overall, I do think it was a success. Fashion should transport and delight the senses, just like any other art form- and even if this collection doesn’t interest me on a personal level, I appreciate what it has done in bringing ancient Egypt back to life.

Check out some of my favorite looks from the collection below:

All images found on Vogue.com

Poem Of The Week December 5, 2018

nausea or nostalgia

where is all of the seafoam green
inside of me, i know it used to be there
all built up like muck, brick-a-brack
teenage brat pack, angst is not black
it is the seafoam green of the old prom dress
crumpled in the closet, closed
shut tight like a virgin’s lips
and pink like her treacherous tongue.
the heat is a gun
is a bullet
is a hand that stroked my downy halo
blonde with thick eyelashes
rouged cheeks, or roughed?
milked flat and blue,
that seafoam is my dream
and my dream is the birth
of venus, of pearls,
you lick me clean and dry
and my baby skin grows over
ripe flesh and taught scars
a billion stars, a navy, navel orange.
hey that tan was a bad idea
and the acrylic nails, those too.

Submit your original poetry to anna@theyoungeclectic.com to be featured! Poetry is very important to me, so I would love to take any chance I can get to share the work of other poets and creators!

Runway December 5, 2018

The Mythos of Artful Layering With Givenchy Pre-Fall 2019

The beauty in myth is that they all serve to teach us a valuable lesson- Icarus let his hubris launch him into the sky, only for him to come crashing back down, a beautiful, blazing glory. While Clare Waight Keller used Icarus to inspire the Givenchy Pre-Fall 2019 collection, it did not fly too high for its own good. In fact, it too, has a valuable lesson to teach- the art of layering.

In the Fall and Winter seasons, it may be tempting to put style aside and just focus on keeping warm, but this collection serves as a reminder that Winter fashion is just so damn fun, so why not take advantage of it? One look sees a cinched dress pulled over a high-neck collared top for a prim, pressed style. Another pairs a soft, slouchy knit sweater with a crisp, pleated skirt. Every outfit plays with your expectations of color, pattern, line, material- begetting looks that are chicly unique.

Perhaps one of my favorite looks sees a structured, super-cropped jacket paired nicely with a long, classic-looking, yellow dress, creating a stimulating juxtaposition of length. Plus, the collection employs one of my all-time favorite shoe looks- a tall, slouchy boot coupled with a long, flowing dress.

While myth and legend can serve as muses for the most dramatic of collections, Givenchy’s newest collection is understated and sleek- a modern crash course in how to put together a thoughtful outfit. I was struck and inspired by the smart use of length and layers, married gorgeously with architectural lines and varying delightful textures. This collection proposes a thesis we should all heed- when consideration goes into the choice of each piece in an ensemble, the results will be nothing short of elegance. Excellent tailoring helps too.

Check out a few of my favorite looks from the collection below:

All photos found on Vogue.com courtesy of Givenchy.

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Meet the Editor-in -Chief

Anna. Austin, TX. 23. Recent college grad with a love for fashion, sci-fi, and all things cute and cuddly.

I liked the title Editor-In-Chief, so instead of waiting for someone to give it to me, I gave it to myself!

I work as a marketer and copywriter at a tech startup and moonlight as a fashion blogger/magazine editor extraordinaire. This is my effort at carving a little piece of internet for myself and those who relate to me.

So welcome! Take off your (hopefully fashionable) shoes and stay a while!
What Is The Young Eclectic?

Fashion. Forward-Thinking. Forever. | A Fashion Blog for the Modern Human in an Eclectic World

A fashion community/online publication excited about runway, style, beauty, poetry, film, literature, music, thrifting – an eclectic set of interests to express ourselves in the most holistic way possible.

We are constantly growing, changing, evolving, discovering, and learning, so the content we engage with should do the same.