Fashion – The Young Eclectic

Fashion July 27, 2020

House Dresses Are the New Loungewear

As we approach month five of COVID-19-imposed isolation, we’ve all most likely become intimately familiar with virtually every form of comfortable, at-home dressing. From oversized T-shirts to tie dye sweatsuits to all-day pajama pants to our beloved leggings and more — we’ve tried it all, so what else is there?

Enter the house dress.

The idea of dresses as comfortable casualwear isn’t actually all that ridiculous — the idea originated in the late 19th century and quickly became popular with housewives throughout the 20th century. The “house dress” was a lightweight, washable frock that women would throw on when they did chores around the house so they could maintain comfort and mobility while still looking presentable enough to see to any visitors that might show up at the house during the day, or for a quick errand run.

Claire McCardell’s wildly-popular “Pop-over” house dress featured an attached oven mitt and a large utility pocket. 1942. Photo Source: The Met Museum

While house dresses started off as purely utilitarian garments — like the wildly-popular “Pop-over” dress designed by Claire McCardell in the early 1940s — they grew to be something more stylish over time with flattering silhouettes, eye-catching prints, and large, convenient pockets that blended form and function.

In the year 2020, months-long quarantines and the sudden switch to remote working has changed many of our dresscodes and has hastened the return of the house dress to the forefront of at-home fashion. While today’s dresses don’t typically come with a matching oven mitt or giant pockets for carrying all of your cleaning supplies, they are still crafted to be comfortable above all else, while still incorporating stylish elements. My favorite house dresses have oversized silhouettes, are made from breezy materials like cotton poplin, and feature romantic details including ruffles, large collars, bows, smocking, and puff sleeves.

Personally, I’ve been waiting for the return of something like the house dress for my whole life. I’m a dress lover and will always wear a dress for any occasion (given my legs are shaven and it’s not too cold!). On top of being ultra-feminine and fun, dresses are a zero-effort outfit that only requires one piece. What could be simpler than that? They’re also a lot less restrictive than other clothing options (*cough* pants), making them a severely-underrated choice of loungewear that actually looks put together. Here’s to hoping that this trend will stick around longer than this virus will.

Are you ready to jump on the house dress trend? Check out some of my favorite options below and get ready to get comfy — no pants required!

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic lavender loungewear dress sleeper

Loungewear Dress in Lavender by Sleeper, $250

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic monki mallan cotton midi smock dress in black asos

Monki Mallan Cotton Midi Smock Dress in Black via Asos, $64

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic apron linen dress misty blue linennaive

Apron Linen Dress in Misty Blue by Linennaive via Etsy, $109+

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic ludamila dress naya rea

Ludamila Dress by Naya Rea, £270

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic ganni cotton silk dress leopard print

Cotton Silk Dress by Ganni, $295

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic the caroline nap dress hill house home

The Caroline Nap Dress by Hill House Home, $100

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic kaftan midi dress & other stories

Kaftan Midi Dress by & Other Stories, $99

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic zara embroidered floral blue

Embroidered Floral Dress by Zara, $69.90

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic plisse collar dress white avavav

Plissé Collar Dress in White by AVAVAV, €220.00

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic SEA marlene tiered cotton-blend poplin midi dress

Marlene Tiered Cotton-Blend Poplin Midi Dress by SEA via Net-A-Porter, $380

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic housedress in mint gingham and pink floral

Housedress in Mint Gingham and Pink Floral by Batsheva, $210

Fashion January 14, 2020

My Ultimate Dream Wedding Designers (& Dresses)

Being 24, I am in the season of life where it seems that everyone I know is either engaged or married and I’m seeing a constant stream of wedding pictures splashed across every social media site. I’m inundated with women in white dresses everywhere I look. I’ve also been in a relationship for close to 7 years now, so it’s easy to see why I sometimes veer off into dreaming about what dress I would like to wear to my own wedding someday.

As I spoke about in a previous article, I used to work at a bridal-centric tech company, so I felt overwhelmed by photos of traditional wedding dresses day in and day out, making me averse to the prospect of wearing one to my own nuptials. As an alternative, I would rather don a fun, white dress from one of my favorite designers. After all, if I’m spending so much on one dress anyways, it might as well be from a brand I’ve always dreamed of wearing.

Check out my dream wedding dresses below along with a few of my favorite bridal-esque looks from each:

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen is one of my all time favorite designers and even though the brand isn’t what it used to be since his death, it still has a dreamy, otherworldly quality that makes each piece look like a work of art. Becoming a McQueen bride would be a dream come true and would make my big day all the more special.

Alexander McQueen Spring 2020

Cecilie Bahnsen

I just recently discovered Cecilie Bahnsen and continue to fall in love with her collections each season. Her playful, gauzy creations are a delight to the eye and would flounce so beautifully as you walk down the aisle. What better time to wear something whimsical than on your wedding day? Also, the cropped length of most of her dresses is unconventional while being the perfect way to show off your shoes, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Cecilie Bahnsen Spring 2020

dream wedding dress designer cecilie bahnsen fashion white skirt with ruffles

Cecilie Bahnsen Pre-Fall 2020

Cecilie Bahnsen Fall 2019

Molly Goddard

Okay, okay, so I know two of the dresses I included here aren’t white and while more and more people are choosing to eschew the white tradition, I still want to partake. The thing I love about Molly Goddard’s designs is the absolutely ridiculous amount of tulle she uses for each dress. You wouldn’t usually get to wear that much tulle in an everyday situation, which is why I think it’s the perfect alternative to a traditional wedding dress. I also absolutely love the white dress I’ve included so much that I have fruitlessly searched for someone selling it online countless times, so if you have the hookup, please let me know!

Molly Goddard Fall 2019

Molly Goddard Spring 2018

Molly Goddard Spring 2020

Ryan Lo

Oh, to live in the world of Ryan Lo would be a literal fantasy! I’ve been following Lo since before they started posting his collections on Vogue and have been in awe of his fantastical creations each and every season. Everything looks so delicate, feminine and soft, the perfect combination of traits to make a wholly memorable wedding ensemble. I would wear any of the dresses I included to my wedding in a heartbeat, and will definitely consider Lo as a strong contender when I start seriously searching for my dream dress.

Ryan Lo Fall 2019

dream wedding ryan lo frilly white sheer dress fashion style

Ryan Lo Fall 2018

dream wedding ryan lo spring 2019 sheer white dress with florals fashion runway style

Ryan Lo Spring 2018

Vivetta

While Vivetta doesn’t really make too many dresses that could be considered bridal-esque, I still wanted to include her on this list because each and every one of her collections is so damn fun. Every season, there’s a new quirky, whimsical twist on classic pieces that never fails to captivate me, and I’m sure would captivate others as you walk down the aisle.

Vivetta Fall 2018

Vivetta Resort 2020

Vivetta Spring 2019

I don’t judge others who choose to wear traditional dresses on their wedding days. It’s your day, so you should wear whatever makes you happiest! What are some of your dream bridal designers or styles of dress?

Fashion January 11, 2020

The Timeless Style Essentials You Need: 2020 Edition

Here’s the deal: Fashion is fun and liberating because there are practically no rules involved. You can wear whatever you like and you don’t have to follow any expectations set forth by an outdated establishment. You can and should wear whatever makes you feel like the most you you.

That being said, if you’re looking to cultivate a classic, polished wardrobe that will withstand the test of time and surpass all of the trends fated to die within a season, there are a few tried and true pieces that will never let you down. Plus, they’re all so versatile, you can wear them again and again and they never feel old which extends their lifespan even more. Read on to discover the essential pieces you need in your closet throughout 2020 and beyond:

Updated White Button-Down

You probably already have one (or two or three) white button-down blouses in your wardrobe already and there’s a reason for that. Good for casual occasions when dressed down, and for impressing the boss when layered under a blazer, you can truly wear these babies anywhere. Plus, there are so many varieties in different shapes with different embellishments that you can find one to match your unique sense of style.

Partow Pre-Fall 2020

Nili Lotan Pre-Fall 2020

Co Pre-Fall 2020

The Classic Little Black Dress

Yep, that thing Coco Chanel suggested is still true: every woman should have at least one little black dress in their style arsenal. They’re universally flattering and eternally on-trend, all while being the perfect choice of outfit for when you’re at a loss for what to wear. Never too formal, but elegant nonetheless, the LBD is your wardrobe superhero. Just accessorize and go.

Preen Pre-Fall 2020

Chanel Pre-Fall 2020

Valentino Pre-Fall 2020

Crisp Blazer

Looking put together is as easy as topping your outfit off with a blazer. Crisp, sharp, classic- a good blazer can take you anywhere, all while exuding an air of confidence and class. Plus, they come in practically every color and pattern under the sun, so you can impart your own flavor of cool onto this polished wardrobe necessity.

Vince Pre-Fall 2020

Tanya Taylor Pre-Fall 2020

Max Mara Pre-Fall 2020

The Perfect Pullover Sweater

Colder weather definitely makes it more of a challenge to put together fashionable outfits when you just end up having to layer a coat on top anyways. You can still give it your best effort though, and you can never go wrong with a sweater that’s as comfortable as it is eye-catching. They look great with jeans and booties for an Instagram-worthy off-duty look, or layered over a blouse and slacks for chilly days at the office.

Ralph Lauren Pre-Fall 2020

Camilla and Marc Pre-Fall 2020

Ulla Johnson Pre-Fall 2020

Chic Statement Sleeves

Statement sleeves have been an ongoing trend for what feels like forever, and I don’t anticipate them going anywhere anytime soon, which means that putting together a look with visual impact couldn’t be more effortless- just throw on a blouse with an interesting sleeve and you’re ready to go! Literally one piece is all you need. It’s beautiful.

Camilla and Marc Pre-Fall 2020

Sportmax Pre-Fall 2020

Adeam Pre-Fall 2020

Mind the Midi

I can’t think of a single situation where a midi skirt wouldn’t be a good decision. It’s one of those pieces that just looks chic and elevated on its own, making it a breeze to style. Pair them with pretty much any tucked in blouse, a pair of boots and a cardigan and you have yourself a timeless look that will make you feel like a style icon. Plus, the longer skirt length will elongate and slim your silhouette, so it’s a win win win situation.

Tory Burch Pre-Fall 2020

Fendi Pre-Fall 2020

Co Pre-Fall 2020

A Lengthy Coat

Like the midi skirt, a long coat just looks luxe and will easily layer over literally anything and still be fashionable. I have so many, I don’t even know what to do with them all! But I’ve come to love them because they make the perfect finishing touch for any cold weather outfit, pulling the look together with sophistication and style.

Chanel Pre-Fall 2020

Givenchy Pre-Fall 2020

Missoni Pre-Fall 2020

Deluxe Dark Wash Denim

This one is obvious- denim is key in any modern wardrobe, so you probably already have this one covered, but let’s discuss it anyways! Dark washes are the most versatile and classic, so you can redress and reinvent your favorite pair of jeans every season without them feeling stale. Plus, the darker wash visually slims your figure, making them a flattering choice on everyone.

L’Agence Pre-Fall 2020

nili lotal pre fall 2020 boho tops with dark wash jeans women wardrobe essentials

Nili Lotan Pre-Fall 2020

Re/Done Pre-Fall 2020

A Quality Tote (the Bigger the Better)

We have so much to carry around these days, it’s hard to keep it all together, but it doesn’t have to be. I’m a firm believer that a good enough tote can change your life (and keep you way more organized). The key is finding one that’s high quality enough to survive the trenches of everyday life, while looking sleek and being big enough to hold all of your necessities (think keys, wallet, phone, laptop, planner, makeup, etc.).

Co Pre-Fall 2020

givency pre fall 2020 giant purple bag modern women style essentials

Givenchy Pre-Fall 2020

Fendi Pre-Fall 2020

As I said before, these things are by no means required to build a wardrobe that looks good and makes you feel you’re best, they’re merely a few items I think are a worthy investment because you’ll get maximum use out of them for the longest amount of time. What do you think of my list? Is there anything you would add or remove? I’d love to hear your take!

Fashion January 6, 2020

Plaid: Fashion's Most Essential Print

From school uniforms to business attire to scarves to bathing suits to shoes to casual weekend looks, there is nothing plaid can’t do. At least, I’m convinced of that. A classic print with an air of preppy properness, plaid has been one of my favorite patterns to play with in my wardrobe.

Firstly, plaid is timeless, so I know pretty much any plaid-laden piece I add to my wardrobe can stick around for a while without becoming an embarrassing reminder of bygone trends. Secondly, it’s versatile as hell, so you can pair it endlessly with a rotating cast of stylish statement pieces and everyday basics for a look with polish and class. Thirdly, it makes me feel like a rich prep school kid with my whole life ahead of me, so, you know, that’s fun I guess!

In all seriousness, I do think that if you’re going to have any prints in your wardrobe, plaid should be one of them because you just can’t go wrong with it and it’s easy to style in a thousand ways, so each piece can feel brand new every time you wear it.

I’ve styled a few of my favorite plaid pieces into fun looks you could wear practically anywhere, for any occasion. Check them out below:

Plaid on Plaid Action

Whoever made up the rule that you can’t mix prints and still look good is a dirty liar. Introducing plaid on plaid AKA a power move. A blazer layered over a dress with a more subtle check pattern creates an interesting contrast, while the addition of the pleated skirt and sneakers adds a playful touch.

preppy plaid winter fashion style outfit red blazer over dress with pleated skirt and sneakers

Blazer: Thrifted. Dress: Thrifted. Skirt: American Apparel (similar linked). Sneakers: Adidas.

Properly Plaid

Like I said, I love the proper, preppy vibe of plaid, which is why I chose to pair it with a classic, high neck, puff shoulder top that is a vintage thrifted find I absolutely adore. I styled the plaid dress as more of a tunic because it’s scandalously short, but I think it looked lovely over corduroy pants for contrasting texture in a complementary hue.

preppy plaid winter fashion style outfit dress over puff sleeve blouse and red corduroy pants

White Blouse: Thrifted. Plaid Dress: Forever21. Corduroy Pants: Urban Outfitters.
Boots: H&M.

A Plaid & Peplum Party

I absolutely adore finding new ways to layer clothing I’ve had for a long time. It helps to keep your wardrobe fresh and forces you to be more creative with your dressing. I think adding a darling plaid peplum top over a black sheath dress creates a glamorous, yet studious impression. The silver shoes over ruffled socks only serve to add to the overall whimsical vibe. I dare you to wear something like this to your next job interview. It’s unique and charming, what more could you ask for?

preppy plaid winter fashion style outfit plaid peplum top over black dress

Plaid Top: Zara. Black Dress: Banana Republic. Shoes: Urban Outfitters.

Pleated Plaid Prep

Perhaps the most classic use of plaid is on a pleated skirt. Channeling the iconic energy of Scottish kilts and prep school uniforms, the pleated plaid skirt imbues any look with a sense of vintage class and the detached cool of a brooding English major that lays on the university lawn reading poetry. I paired mine with a bright fair isle sweater for a chic winter look and finished it all off with silver boots for a touch of shimmer because why not? The fern is optional but recommended.

preppy plaid winter fashion style outfit red fair isle sweater over pleated midi skirt and silver boots

Sweater: Thrifted. Plaid Skirt: Thrifted. Boots: Asos.

I really need to get back into posting style posts more regularly, but for now, I hope these pro-plaid ensembles give you some inspiration for your own winter wardrobes.

Fashion July 4, 2019

Some of the Best Streetstyle Looks from the Paris Haute Couture Fall 2019 Shows (And What I’m Stealing From Them)

During any kind of fashion week, the shows are only half the fun- the other half is seeing the people that attend them and, more specifically, what they’re wearing. I’m talking about streetstyle, people! It’s one thing to see high fashion makes it’s way down the runway in a perfect world where every outfit would be created only from one brand and one collection, and it’s another, more chaotic and ultimately more interesting thing to see fashion from all different sources clashing and weaving into outfits in the wild. You can learn a lot and glean a lot of inspiration from streetstyle, which is exactly what I did with the latest streetstyle looks from the Fall 2019 Haute Couture shows in Paris that have been dropping this week.

Without further ado, I present you my favorite streetstyle looks and the style tips I’d like to steal from each one. Who knows? You might even want to steal something yourself!

I’m a Sheer Girl in a Sheer World

I’ve always always always loved the aesthetic of a sheer, flowing dress thrown over an otherwise unassuming outfit, which is why this look created with a frothy, green Molly Goddard dress really caught my eye. Think about it- it’s the perfect summer getup. With all white underneath and a light layer on top, you’ll keep cool while looking cool and what could be better than that? What I’m stealing: a sheer sheer sheer dress, baby!

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle sheer green molly goddard dress the young eclectic — Lolita Jacobs in Molly Goddard (Photo: Phil Oh for Vogue.com)

Let’s Get Down to Business

Business-inspired streetstyle looks seemed to be a major theme this week, with several people donning strong-shouldered blazers with sharp pants. What I liked about this look is that the blazer is the outfit. Like, that’s it. It’s just a big blazer with some shorts and that’s a big vibe that I’m really feeling right now. What I’m stealing: pairing an oversized blazer with some shorts for a relaxed evening look.

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle acne studios oversized blazer with green bag fashion the young eclectic — Courtney Trop in Acne Studios (Photo: Phil Oh for Vogue.com)

Socks and Sandals (But Make It Fashion)

Your dad may have once embarrassed you by daring to wear the infamous pairing of socks and sandals. Yet, in this all-black, summer ‘fit, the socks and sandals make a perfect match that has me taking notes. Maybe it’s the sheerness of the socks that creates a dainty, doll-ish look, or maybe it’s that the socks are a contrasting white to the rest of the outfit’s black. Whatever it is, I’m buying! What I’m stealing: isn’t it obvious? Socks with platform sandals, please!

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle black outfit with black sandals and white socks the young eclectic — Xenia Adonts in Miu Miu (Photo: Phil Oh for Vogue.com)

Lovely in Lace Collars

I know there’s a lot going on in this picture, but I really only noticed one thing- that darling, lacey bib collar that the lovely lady on the far right has going on. And I don’t even know if this is the case, but I am loving the idea of it being a detachable accessory. It’s genius because then you could imbue some prim, vintage beauty onto any outfit with little to no effort. And after professing my love for these kinds of collars in my Miu Miu Resort 2020 post, I think it’s clear what I’m stealing here: the incredible idea of the detachable collar. I need one, now!

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle phil oh vogue fashion style streetwear the young eclectic — Ada Kokosar, Caroline Daur in Miu Miu, Pernille Teisbaek. (Photo: Phil Oh for Vogue.com)

Your Boyfriend’s Shirt

There is something so simple, yet so compelling about this streetstyle look. It’s just an oversized dress shirt worn like a dress, paired with some chunky sneakers (a high fashion favorite.) I think what I love about this outfit is the freedom in it- like you’ve admitted that you just want to be comfortable, darn it, so you’re going to wear the big shirt and sneakers no matter what anyone says. I want to emulate that level of cool girl chill and confidence. What I’m stealing: just an oversized shirt and some sneakers, apparently.

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle acne studios oversized brown shirt with puff sleeves fashion the young eclectic — In Acne Studios (Photo: Phil Oh for Vogue.com)

Romantic Ruffles and Frisky Fringe

Ruffles and fringe on their own tend to make a statement, and quite different ones that that. Soft, fluttering ruffles seem to say “I’m a romantic and I wish I was on the cover of one of those grocery store romance novels right now,” while fringe says “I’m cool, I’m tough, I like the ’70s, or I’m a cowboy.” Or… something like that anyways. If you’re going to make a statement, why not make two? Or three? Or an infinite amount? Can you tell I’m a maximalist at heart? ANYWAYS- I loved the chic, novel combination of the flowing, ruffled skirt with the structured, modern fringe vest. What I’m stealing: fringe and ruffles and fun and freedom- just do what you want!

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle fringe vest over frilly white dress fashion the young eclectic — (Photo: Adam Katz Sinding for W Magazine)

I hope you found these streetstyle outfits as enlightening as I did! I’m looking forward to doing more of these little reviews in the future!

Culture June 30, 2019

Is Men’s Fashion Finally Getting Interesting?

It’s a provacotive question, right? By asking it, I am insinuating that men’s fashion isn’t interesting, or wasn’t, at least- and in my opinion, it hasn’t been. Men’s fashion, in my opinion, has always been a parade of sameness with the same suits and collared shirts and jeans and T-shirts and beetle-ish dress shoes season after season. I’ve always thought that it’s a pity how men have so fewer choices for what society deems is acceptable for them to wear- shirts, shorts, pants, jackets- that’s pretty much it. Because of this unfortunate lack of diversity in the menswear industry, I’ve never really paid it much mind, preferring to leap headlong into the richness of women’s fashion instead.

louis vuitton Menswear Spring 2020 floral sweater with white pants fashion runway — *This Menswear Spring 2020 season saw men’s fashion take a cue from womenswear with frilly details and pastel colors ruling the runway. Photo: Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring 2020*

However, the Spring 2020 menswear shows carried forth a different message, with tons of gender-bending outfits rendered in precious pastels that made me consider the possibility that men’s fashion might finally be transforming, moving us one step closer to a world where people of all genders have the choice to wear exactly what they want without feeling pressured to adhere to a certain image.

For starters, pastels, the light, delicate tones that are often found with the most feminine fashions, were a prevailing theme in the Spring 2020 menswear shows. Suits, coats, pants, shoes, shorts, sweaters and more were all seen rendered in these playful colors, which created a more feminine vibe that you wouldn’t usually find in men’s fashion. There were also plenty of interesting pieces that I wouldn’t imagine normally seeing in the men’s section like sheer, flowing tops; ruffled blouses; preppy short shorts; tie-front jackets; beaded and embellished tops; flowery sweaters and accessories; a few skirts and even a dress or two.

Within these collections, it’s like the world of modern men’s fashion has finally opened up and has the freedom and space to allow men to think outside of the black suit, classic jeans, polos, khakis and the dreaded basketball shorts. I’m waiting and have been waiting for a fashion future where I can expect to see just as many fashionable, well-dressed men on the streets or the red carpet or on my Instagram feed as women.

But it’s one thing for the fashion elite to send these sort of looks down the runway and it’s quite another for the men of the world to actually absorb and accept these new possibilities. Unfortunately, we are a society run by gender norms and rigid expectations that put people into boxes and dictate what a normal man or woman should wear and how they should act. These types of issues don’t disappear overnight, and actually take decades, or even generations to break down and dissolve. Because of this, my only hope can be that pop culture will continue to push the envelope of gender stereotypes little by little, until it’s no longer seen as unusual or unacceptable for men to wear frilly, pastel clothing. So here’s to the future and hoping that change is coming!

Check out some of my favorite pastel looks from the Spring 2020 Menswear shows:

Kenzo Menswear Spring 2020

Amiri Menswear Spring 2020

Lanvin Menswear Spring 2020

Thom Browne Menswear Spring 2020

Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring 2020

Sies Marjan Menswear Spring 2020

Bode Menswear Spring 2020

Loewe Menswear Spring 2020

Craig Green Menswear Spring 2020

Ludovic de Saint Sernin Menswear Spring 2020

Berluti Menswear Spring 2020

Ann Demeulemeester Menswear Spring 2020

Fashion East Menswear Spring 2020

Amiri Menswear Spring 2020

Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring 2020

Loewe Menswear Spring 2020

Amiri Menswear Spring 2020

Sies Marjan Menswear Spring 2020

Amiri Menswear Spring 2020

Fashion East Menswear Spring 2020

JW Anderson Menswear Spring 2020

Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring 2020

Bode Menswear Spring 2020

Alexander McQueen Menswear Spring 2020

Thom Browne Menswear Spring 2020

Fashion East Menswear Spring 2020

Sies Marjan Menswear Spring 2020

Thom Browne Menswear Spring 2020

Amiri Menswear Spring 2020

All images from Vogue.com.

Fashion May 22, 2019

Refresh Your Wardrobe with Playful Spring Layering

Maybe you’re like me, and keep clothes like pets or beloved family members, making them impossible to let go (I’m working on it- okay?). Having the same clothes forever can lead to them feeling stale and uninspired, breeding feelings of apparel apathy. There are few things I hate more than wearing the same outfit over and over, so I have to innovate within my own wardrobe to keep things fresh. Otherwise, I’d want to spend way too much money buying new things to keep my ravenous desire for unique outfits slaked.

While it can be frustrating some mornings when I look into my closet, bursting with way too many clothes for one woman, and proclaim “I have nothing to wear!”, a blessing to come from my obsession with escaping wardrobe boredom is the birth of some outfits that are pretty dang cute. For this editorial, I put together some joyous little ensembles with some playful layering that I think emulates the liveliness of the spring season, incorporating plenty of floral-esque colors that are a landmark of spring style.

I hope these fun, little ‘fits can inspire you to try to reinvent your own wardrobe without having to buy anything new! Think of it as some kind of puzzle or game, and see what kinds of things you can come up with that you may not have thought of before. I’m sure you’ll be surprised at how many ways there are to wear one piece of clothing!

Check out my creations below:

Lovely Denim Doll

Anyone who knows me knows that denim is a major theme in my wardrobe, and there is pretty much nothing I can do to resist a cute, denim dress- especially one that’s good for layering. I paired this one with a sweet, pink shirt with puff sleeves and a round collar to give the whole outfit a vintage, doll-like, girlish feel, a look that I’m really into right now. The blouse even has a print of tiny hearts that contributes to the unique and quirky aesthetic.

pink blouse with hearts and denim dress spring style fun layering the young eclectic

Top & Dress: Thrifted from Goodwill. Shoes: Converse.

Green Gardener

In a pair of khaki shorts and a green shirt the color of newly-sprouted leaves, I felt like some kind of scout, ranger, or gardener that spends all day sowing new seeds for spring. I layered a loose-knit, sleeveless sweater over the oversized, green button up for an extra layer of detail to give the outfit some depth and texture. All I need now is a cute, little beret and I’ll be all set!

sleeveless white sweater over green blouse and khaki shorts. spring style with fun layering on the young eclectic

Green Shirt: H&M. White Sweater: Thrifted from Goodwill. Khaki Shorts: Uniqlo. Shoes: Converse.

Sheer Beauty

I’m going to be honest, I’ve had this sheer, long-sleeved shirt for a very long time and haven’t managed to wear it pretty much ever, and I was on the brink of giving up on it entirely before this outfit. I managed to find it a home paired with a light pink, cropped sweater that features a ton of shimmering embellishments like beading and sequins. I think the pink, floral embroidery layered over all of that snazzy beading has a cool effect, and the whole outfit gets a preppy treatment when paired with a voluminous skirt and some sneakers. This outfit almost makes me like a spring cheerleader, and I’m obsessed!

spring style outfit with fun layering the young eclectic sheer black shirt over beaded pink sweater with preppy skirt

Sheer Top: Forever 21. Beaded Sweater: Thrifted vintage. Skirt: Oak + Fort. Shoes: Converse.

More Pink, Please

Pairing a pink top with pink pants? A bold move- but why not? I totally embraced my clownish side with this fun, layered outfit that includes a tunic/mini dress (that I usually wear as pajamas, but who’s asking) with ruffled, bell sleeves layered over a sheer, white blouse with ruffled, bell sleeves. I think the double layer of ruffled sleeves is what makes this outfit truly special! And all of the pink- how could we forget that?

pink dress over white blouse with pink pants spring fashion style fun layering the young eclectic

Pink Dress: Zara. White Blouse: H&M. Pants: Banana Republic. Collar Necklace: Forever 21. Shoes: Converse.

Inspired yet? If not, stick around because I have another editorial coming soon!

Fashion May 9, 2019

Wear Lirika Matoshi’s Whipped Cream Dreams

Pastels, rainbows, sparkles, clouds, tulle, stars, flowers, sugar, spice, everything nice… Now all we need is a little bit of Chemical X and we can make the Powerpuff Girls. If you’ve ever wanted to dress like you were materialized into the fantasy world of an eight-year-old girl (in the best way possible), then you might want to take a seat while I tell you about Lirika Mitoshi, a small, online brand that gained notoriety on Etsy for their dreamy, embellished tights. I discovered them during one of my rare Pinterest browsing sessions. I guess that website is good for some things sometimes.

Lirika Mitoshi- with all of their poofy, tulle dresses; bejeweled shirts and socks; and shimmery, ethereal gowns embellished with sequin hearts and stars- is basically like the distilled essence of innocence, sweetness, and dreams. One look at these incredible, indulgent pieces will make your teeth sore. And while each piece is a little more pricey than what I usually purchase (they range from like ~$100 – ~$300), I can still see myself buying something to wear for some kind of special event, like a birthday party, or a music festival.

I think what I like most about these clothes are that, while fun and a little silly with all of their girlish sparkle and garish colors, they’re still super wearable, too. A sheer dress embellished with sequin stars can be worn over a T-shirt and jeans for an extra layer of detail. The fuzzy, blue skirt can be paired with a crisp, white blouse to balance out the camp-y texture and color. Studded socks can add a magical touch to pretty much any outfit.

You don’t need to be all-in with the ~*kawaii*~ aesthetic to add some whimsy to your wardrobe- just little touches here and there can make a huge statement and refresh classic outfit combinations you’ve worn a million times before. The magic is all in the details, and there are plenty of swoon-worthy ones here to make you fall in love with the Lirika Mitoshi brand and the possibility of fantasy in fashion.

Check out some of my favorite pieces currently listed on their site below. I can’t wait to see what they create next!

rainbow tulle top with puff sleeves lirika mitoshi

Dream Come True Top – $110

rainbow layered tulle dress lirika mitoshi

Dream Come True Dress – $350

fluffy blue suit with mini skirt lirika mitoshi

Feeling The Clouds Suit Set – $299

sheer pink top with long puff sleeves and neck bow lirika mitoshi

Pink Sky Tie-Front Blouse – $150

sheer tulle dress with sequin stars lirika mitoshi

Stars In Her Eyes Dress – $150

tulle midi dress with gold glitter lirika mitoshi

Flared Champagne Midi Dress – $410

Stars In Her Eyes Dress – $150

Lirika Mitoshi sparkling star sheer socks

Wish Upon A Star Socks – $44

pink sweater with floral embellishments lirika mitoshi

Floral Sweater – $249

sheer floral lace top and shorts for summer lirika mitoshi

Jasmine Set – $120

All photos from the Lirika Mitoshi website.

This post is not sponsored 🙂

Culture May 7, 2019

The Most Creative Camp Looks from the 2019 Met Gala

It’s the first Monday in May AKA fashion’s biggest night- The Met Gala, a yearly gathering where celebrities and cultural influencers meet at the Met in New York City dressed to the nines according to the theme of the Met Costume Institute’s exhibit that year. This year brought us “Camp: Notes On Fashion” along with a metric ton of feathers and an army of unforgettably-creative looks that made me gasp in reverie and laugh at just how refreshingly comical it all is.

What is camp? -you might be asking. The exhibit aims to help answer that question, but still falls short. It’s failed seriousness and attempted sarcasm. It’s overindulgence and performance. Think: the extravagant lifestyle of Marie Antoinette, a mile-high fruit hat worn by a samba dancer, or the over-the-top persona of a drag queen. According to Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay “Notes on ‘Camp,'” from which this year’s Met exhibit gleaned much of its inspiration: “The essence of Camp is its love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration.”

So, as you can imagine, this would make for a ton of really wacky and equally whimsical red carpet looks from our favorite celebrities. I waited in eager anticipation for tonight, and I definitely wasn’t disappointed!

I’ve gone through all of the red carpet photos and chose a few of my favorites to report on. While everyone looked really amazing, I only chose the looks that felt really creative to me, and weren’t just over-the-top for the sake of being over-the-top, with feathers and ruffles and tulle and all that good, campy stuff. I was looking for something I hadn’t ever really seen before, and was pleasantly surprised by how many truly amazing looks there were to choose from! Check out my picks below:

Absolute Top Favorite Looks of the 2019 Met Gala:

Lily Collins as Lisa Marie Presley

EXCUSE ME. Who gave Lily Collins the right to slay us all with this perfect look? It is by far my favorite look of the night in part because I’ve always loved the over-the-top beauty aesthetic of Priscilla Presley (the poofed hair, the winged eyeliner, the eternal youth- UGH!) and in part because Lily Collins just pulls it off so dang well. The headband, over the top hair, and ruffled dress all pair perfectly to create a look I’ll never forget!

lily collins dressed as priscilla presley at the 2019 met gala

Lady Gaga’s Metamorphosis

Camp is Lady Gaga’s specialty- one she’s been dishing out for years, ever since she hit it big in 2009, serving us looks like dresses made from a range of odd materials like Kermit plushes and meat, and creating spectacles, like when she showed up to an awards show in an egg. The fact that Lady Gaga is actually a persona is the essence of camp. All of this to say, I was expecting the Queen of Camp to outdo everyone on the red carpet- and she did, by serving not one, but four looks that she slowly revealed as she made her entrance alongside an entourage of backup dancers and makeup artists. When asked how anyone could follow Gaga’s surprising arrival, Anna Wintour replied that you simply couldn’t, and you should just go home.

lady gaga in a huge pink dress at the met gala 2019 camp

lady gaga in a black dress with an umbrella at the 2019 met gala camp

lady gaga in a hot pink dress at the 2019 met gala camp

lady gaga in bedazzled underwear at the met gala 2019 camp

Zendaya is Our Very Own Disney Princess

Zendaya has always been one of my favorite celebrities just because of how wholesome she is. Although she’s been a Disney channel star for pretty much her whole career, she never ended up falling off the deep end like many child stars do after missing out on having a normal childhood- which is why this recreation of Cinderella’s iconic blue dress is so endearing! Plus, the dress lights up, creating an even cooler look and an unforgettable moment of magic where her longtime stylist, dressed as the fairy godmother, lit the dress up with his wand.

zendaya as cinderella in a light up dress at the met gala 2019 camp

Diane Von Furstenberg x Lady Liberty

Iconic designer Diane Von Furstenberg looked positively radiant in her look inspired by Lady Liberty that featured an oversized print of a painting of herself done by Andy Warhol. You can’t get much more camp than wearing art of yourself, especially when it’s done by Warhol, a king of Pop Art and campy culture.

diane von furstenberg in a lady liberty dress at the 2019 met gala camp

Barbie: Kacey Musgraves Edition

Kacey Musgraves charmed us all in her monochrome, hot pink outfit inspired by Barbie- complete with shiny, silver pumps, a handbag shaped like a hairdryer, and long, blonde waves. Box her up and she would be any girl’s dream doll!

kacey musgraves dressed in hot pink as a barbie at the 2019 met gala camp

Katy Perry Lights Up the Red Carpet

How could I make this list without mentioning Katy Perry’s extremely extra chandelier costume? I mean, it’s so delightfully unexpected that I couldn’t help but smile, then appreciate the insane craftsmanship that went into making this incredibly intricate dress that actually lit up. Mad props, Katy Perry, this looks was fire (literally)!

katy perry as a chandelier at the 2019 met gala camp

Honorable Mentions

Yara Shahidi

Tracee Ellis Ross

Natasha Lyonne

Lucy Boynton

Liu Wen

Hailee Steinfeld

Florence Welch

Ezra Miller

Emma Roberts

Emily Ratajkowski

Dakota Johnson

Celine Dion

Billy Porter

Amber Valetta

Caroline Trentini

Cover photo from The New York Times. All other photos from Getty Images.

Fashion April 23, 2019

Trends I’ll Definitely Try, Inspired by the Best Streetstyle Looks of Fall/Winter 2019

Okay, guys. I’ve been scouring the web for looks to include in this article for no less than three hours, so you better get ready to swoon hard for these styles. While the focus of fashion month is definitely on the runway shows and the trends they birth, the streetstyle of the shows’ most fashionable attendees can yield a ton of amazing styling ideas that we can all learn from.

I went through and found my favorite looks from each leg of fashion month, then organized them into different trends I would like to try with my own style. Hopefully, you’ll find as much joy and inspiration from them as I did! Check out my picks below:

Monochrome Rainbow

The comforting uniformity of monochrome has always appealed to me, and this season people have added their own flavor and seasoning in the form of creating monochrome looks with different shades of the same color. You still get the same, stimulating effect, with a bit more fun and detail.

Gorgeous In Green

Green has usurped the throne from millennial pink to become the IT color of fashionable people everywhere, and there were plenty of looks gilded in green to make me wish I had more of the lush shade in my wardrobe.

Sleeves Fit For Shakespeare

Statement sleeves are a favorite of mine, so any style that employs a sleeve that steals the show is a winning look in my book. Whether it’s pirate-inspired puff sleeves, voluminous ruffles, or fanciful fur- I can’t get enough of a sleeve that demands attention.

Fringy Fun

This one is pretty self explanatory. Fringe is a foolproof way to add some fun to any outfit, and these streetstyle looks add some modern flair to this age-old trend by adding it in unexpected places, like a plaid blazer.

Delicate Ruffles & Pleats

Give me some ruffles and pleats and my life is complete, so I’m really excited to see that copious amounts of these delicate, girly details were everywhere in streetstyle looks this season. Trust me, if I could dress like a doll every day, I would.

Unexpected Denim

Denim is another one of my favorite elements to add to my wardrobe because it’s so dang versatile, and I’m always delighted to see people utilize it in new ways, like in a voluminous midi skirt that looks like it’s made of old jeans, or a statement outfit made of dark, denim ruffles.

Cute Collars

Add a cute, eye-catching collar to anything and I’m sold. I especially love all of the vintage, prairie-inspired looks that have been a continuing trend in recent years (thanks Batsheva!). There is just something so whimsical and adorable about a good collar that I just can’t pass up.

New School Prep

We can all conjure up the image of “preppy” style in our minds- pleated skirts, headbands, blazers, and plenty of plaid. This season saw plenty of preppy people stalking the streets in updated looks that added edgy details like a metallic jacket, thick gold chain necklace, and structured, over-exaggerated hips, to the normally-tame trend.

Precious Pastels

I love any color that makes my heart warm, and there were plenty of looks featuring soft, pastel shades that are absolutely perfect for spring. Bonus points if you pair multiple pastels for an extra-adorable style.

Which was your favorite look? Would you ever try any of these trends with your own style? My only wish is that I had more money, so that I could incorporate more of these dreamy trends into my own wardrobe.