Fashion – Page 2 – The Young Eclectic

Fashion April 9, 2019

Spring Blooms in Adorable Dresses

Day 9 of April is here and I’m still trying to cope with the fact that spring has somehow snuck up on us all. Instead of wallowing the death of winter, I decided to celebrate the coming of the warmer season by styling some adorable, spring-inspired dresses paired with some blooming, handmade flower crowns to really channel the spirit of this flowering season!

Since spring is a transitional season that still has its cool days, I added additional layers to each outfit that not only serve to add some extra warmth, but also add some fun details that make the looks truly precious and perfect for celebrating a season so full of life and youth!

Bring your soul back to life by checking out my outfits below:

Porcelain Pink

I really went for that porcelain doll look in this coral pink, linen dress layered over a sheer, blush pink shirt with long sleeves and a frilly, lacy collar that reminds me of a vintage doily (who says grandma chic isn’t a thing?). I added a bit of eclectic fun with a pair of glittery sock boots that are just so much fun to wear!

Pink Dress & Lace-Collared Shirt: Thrifted from Buffalo Exchange. Sparkly Boots: Asos.

Little Forest Scout

The preppy, scout look has always deeply appealed to my girlish sense of style, so I really went for that vibe with this sage green dress layered over an oversized, long-sleeved blouse with a charming neck bow. For finishing touches I added beige knee socks, white platforms for some sass, and an absolutely adorable My Neighbor Totoro watering can that I’m currently obsessed with and happened to perfectly match my getup.

Green Dress: H&M. Blouse With Neck Bow: Thrifted from Goodwill. Derek Lam Platforms: Thrifted from Buffalo Exchange.

Light and Airy Pleats

For extra warm and sunny days, a light-as-air dress with all-over micropleats will do just the trick! I love the soft blue color that pairs so well with the off white of the platform sneakers and lovely, lace collar that peeks out the top and adds a bit of fancy detail. And this flower crown is one of my all time favorites that I’ve ever made! Little leaf ears- so cute!

Pleated Dress: Oak & Fort. Sheer Shirt with High Collar: Forever21. Platform Sneakers: Converse.

Spring Sailor

Again, my little, preppy heart skipped a beat when I saw this chambray, sailor-inspired dress. I love the square bib and the drop-waist skirt, which both add to the playful, girly vibe of the dress, which is so swishy and light, that it’s perfect for a spring day! I layered it over a sheer, collared shirt with a cute heart pattern just for a bit more detail, and finished the look off with some black sock boots for a modern, stylish touch.

Sailor Dress: Urban Outfitters. Sheer Heart Shirt with Collar & Sock Boots: Forever21.

I’m telling you guys, spring is definitely dress season, so it’s time to pack your wardrobe full of a bunch of super cute options! And if they work well as layering pieces, that’s even better!

Also, making flower crowns is one of my favorite hobbies, so if you like what you see and think you would like to buy one, let me know and I’ll think of putting some up for sale! Until next time~~

Fashion April 8, 2019

Puff Sleeve Dresses for Spring to Help You Live Your Prairie Girl Dreams

April is already nearly a third of a way through, which means I’m having a crisis because time is moving too fast, but it also means that SPRING HAS SPRUNG. And that means the weather is, regrettably, warming up, and we all need to pull out our spring wardrobes and dust them off again.

spring is the perfect time to wear dresses because dresses can be easily layered with sweaters or jackets to stave off the chill on cooler days, but also work great on their own for warmer weather. For the past few seasons, it seems like the ~*prairie girl chic*~ style has reigned supreme as the casual dress trend of choice, led by Batsheva and her army of feminine, fresh, farmer girls in pretty, puff-sleeved creations that have inspired me to add more puff sleeves to my own wardrobe.

If you want to add some puff-sleeved whimsicality to your own spring styles, check out all of my favorite puff-sleeved dresses available for purchase now:

Frilly Femininity

Look like a lovely, vintage dolly in this frilly dress with puff sleeves, eyelet details around the collar and puff sleeves, and a flouncy, tiered skirt that will have you falling in love!

free people nanette dress puff sleeves spring 2019 prairie victorian vintage fashion style the young eclectic

Free People Nanette Dress – $325

Plaid Puffy Party

Plaid is currently a huge part of my wardrobe (keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming plaid-themed editorial!) so I was instantly attracted to this vividly-colorful, long dress with the subtlest of puffed sleeves. Paired with sneakers, it’s a great spring look!

asos neon rose maxi tea dress with puff sleeves in bold check spring 2019 prairie vintage fashion style the young eclectic

Asos Rose Maxi Tea Dress – $67

Sweet, Pink Denim

You wouldn’t think that vintage, prairie details would look good rendered in a more modern material like denim, but I think this dress manages to pull it off well, making the dress look more structured and substantial. Not to mention, denim has been a lifelong obsession of mine, so of course I couldn’t leave this one off the list!

ulla johnson wilona puff sleeve denim dress spring 2019 prarie fashion style the young eclectic

Ulla Johnson Wilona Puff Sleeve Denim Dress via Nordstrom – $375

Artsy & Architectural

It’s no secret that I love a good, crisp white shirt or dress, so this one with the simple V-neckline and ruched, balloon, puff sleeves definitely appeals to my simple fashion sensibilities. The crispness of it really gives it an architectural, art-student vibe I love!

zara poplin dress with balloon sleeves puff spring 2019 prairie style fashion the young eclectic

Zara Poplin Dress with Balloon Sleeves – $49.90

Love In Knit

This knitted masterpiece features a high neckline, charming, ruffled bib and some long, puff sleeves for a truly marvelous look that I would love to rock on a first date. Even the deep, red color is giving major romantic vibes!

reformation chapel dress puf sleeves spring 2019 cute prairie style fashion the young eclectic

Reformation Chapel Dress – $118

Vintage, Bohemian Babe

The simplicity of this linen dress with wooden buttons down the front is astounding and also very alluring. In this dress, it looks like you should be in the mountains of Austria, singing about how the hills are alive with the sound of music. Julie Andrews-level singing ability not included, unfortunately.

free people jayma midi dress puff sleeves spring 2019 prairie cute fashion style the young eclectic

Free People Jayma Midi Dress – $108

Chic Simplicity

A good, white dress is necessary to get you through the endless days of spring and summer. Not only will the light color help to keep you cool, but it’s also a fashionable choice that you can never go wrong with. It will also match pretty much any accessories you choose, so there’s no losing with this one!

zara puffy sleeved dress puff sleeves spring 2019 prairie cute fashion style the young eclectic

Zara Puffy Sleeved Dress – $69.90

Prairie Princess

This midi dress charmed the pants straight off me, with its sweet, floral print, high neck, and Victorian-style, long, poofy sleeves. This dress feels like it materialized straight from an old romance novel and I can’t get enough! The back is also open, which gives the dress a bit more sex appeal, for those of you who don’t just want to look like a character from a Laura Ingalls Wilder novel.

reformation abigale dress puff sleeves spring 2019 prarie cute style fashion the young eclectic

Reformation Abigale Dress – $218

Prim & Proper

All of the little, sheer portions of this prim, white dress give it a bit of modern flair, while the relaxed silhouette and full sleeves channel our favorite vintage, prairie style that is perfect for spring!

sea poppy pintuck puff sleeve midi dress spring 2019 vintage prairie fashion style the young eclectic

SEA Poppy Pintuck Puff Sleeve Dress via Nordstrom – $485

Tangerine Dream

This sheer, bright orange dress was so much fun for my eyes that I had to include it on the list, even though it’s almost sold out. The entire bodice is sheer, creating a ton of fun opportunities for innovative, eclectic layering (psst- keep a lookout for my upcoming editorial on creative layering!) which I’m pretty much obsessed with right now. Fun, playful layering is such a big trend for spring, a dress like this one would be perfect!

hannah kristina metz dress bando puff sleeves spring 2019 prairie cute orange style fashion the young eclectic

Hannah Kristina Metz Blythe Dress via Ban.do – $99.95

I hope you liked this quick roundup of some super cute, spring dresses you can incorporate into your warm weather wardrobes! Keep your eyes peeled for more upcoming editorials and let me know if you like these types of articles, so I can do more of them!

Fashion March 27, 2019

What Is Camp? An Educational Editorial

If you’re a follower of fashion, then you’ve probably already heard that the theme of this year’s Met Gala (fashion’s biggest event) and subsequent Met costume exhibit is “Camp: Notes On Fashion,” which will explore the concept of “camp” sensibility in fashion and culture through the lens of Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay “Notes On ‘Camp'”. If you’re like me, then you might be scratching your head and wondering “what is camp anyways?” Because, while I have heard the term before, I’ve never had a firm grasp on what it actually means. So, let’s break it down.

The origin of camp sensibility can be traced all the way back to the time of King Louis XVI, who lived in the overly-extravagant Versailles and was constantly surrounded by Parisian nobility dressed in highly-decorated, over-the-top garb that was almost funny in how insanely indulgent it was. Here, in the insanely extravagant, is where the impetus of camp sensibility lies. It’s all about pose and performance, creating a character and accentuating artifice. In the words of Susan Sontag:

The essence of Camp is its love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration.
Susan Sontag, “Notes On ‘Camp'” (1964)

Balenciaga Crocs, which took the fashion world by storm with equal parts fascination and revulsion, are the perfect example of “camp” style. (Photo: Harper’s Bazaar UK)

In other words, fashion that exemplifies camp is outlandish, exaggerated, fantastic, passionate and naive. It is “art that proposes itself seriously, but cannot be taken altogether seriously because it is ‘too much.'” Imagine a pair of Balenciaga platform Crocs, or Lady Gaga in a meat dress. These are both delightful examples of campy fashion that are presented with seriousness, but fail to be taken seriously. In the words of Sontag, camp style is good because it is awful (in a fun way).

Camp taste turns its back on the good-bad axis of ordinary aesthetic judgment. Camp doesn’t reverse things. It doesn’t argue that the good is bad, or the bad is good. What it does is to offer for art (and life) a different — a supplementary — set of standards.
Susan Sontag, “Notes On ‘Camp'” (1964)

To live a life dedicated to camp, is to live a life of theater- which is why Lady Gaga, a fabricated pop persona, being one of the co-chairs of the Met Gala seems entirely appropriate and expected. Other co-chairs include Alessandro Michele, the creative director of a delightfully-campy Gucci, Serena Williams, who often wears over-the-top outfits for her tennis matches, and Harry Styles. If you’re curious to see how all of your favorite stars will interpret this theme, the Met Gala will take place on May 6.

In a delightfully camp Gucci collection by Alessandro Michele, a model cradles a realistic dragon as an accessory to their fantastic, medieval-inspired outfit. (Photo by Pietro D’aprano/Getty Images)

I absolutely adore camp sensibility, because I’m all about creating fantasy with fashion, which goes hand-in-hand with the idea of artifice and exaggeration that is the hallmark of camp. I’ve put together a few fun, over-the-top outfits that I thought were good examples of camp. Check them out below:

Happy Death Day

While wearing this outfit, I imagined myself a spurned widow at the funeral of her stupidly-rich husband that has left her everything- she’s happy, yet must pretend to be sad. The fake, purple roses only serve to add an artificially vivid touch to this mournful ensemble.

“Happy” Shirt: Forever21. Dress: H&M. Belt: Urban Outfitters. Shoes: DSW.

Loving Something Sweet

The goal of this outfit was to create something that was both sweet and also edgy, which is why I layered a sheer, tulle dress over a pair of overalls and finished it all off with a pair of neon green “ugly” sneakers and a gaudy, pink cowboy hat adorned with flowers. My stuffed alpaca, Sherbet, was the perfect, overly-sweet accessory to bring the whole look together.

Tulle Dress and Grey Shirt: Forever21. Overalls: Thrifted from a friend. Sneakers: New Balance. Hat: LadyGaga.com. Flower Crown (embellishing hat): Made by me.

50 Shades of Denim

I am a connoisseur of denim and own just about any garment you can get in this magical material. For this outfit, I decided to create a look entirely of denim (except shoes) that featured a denim shirt layered under an oversized denim dress, denim culottes and a denim jacket. The platform clogs and headscarf were just details to add a bit more fun to this entirely impractical, but equally enjoyable look.

Shirt: Thrifted from Goodwill. Dress: Urban Outfitters. Culottes: Oak + Fort. Jacket: Levis. Platforms: Thrifted from Buffalo Exchange. Scarf: Thrifted from an antique shop.

I hope you learned a bit about camp and also had some fun along the way! I honestly can’t wait to see what crazy outfits everyone puts together at the Met Gala this year. Stay tuned for my article!

What should my next shoot be? Leave a comment if you have any ideas!

Culture February 27, 2019

Hot or Not: The 2019 Oscars Edition

Since February has nearly met its end, that means we have all survived another awards season, culminating in the Oscars- one of the most loved and reviled television events of the year. While most people will casually look up the results of the show later to chat about them in the office, I feel like not that many people excitedly tune into the show anymore. Perhaps it’s because of how stinking regressive it all is (I mean, have you seen that graphic going around that has the amount of lines spoken by female actors vs. male actors in Best Picture winning films? It’s staggering!). Or perhaps it’s because the show is just. so. long. and if we’re being honest with ourselves, we probably only care about like the top 4 awards anyways, so it isn’t worth sitting through the rest of the dog and pony show.

Anyways, this post isn’t about how much nobody cares about the Oscars. It’s about the FASHUN people- did you forget what website you were on? It’s red carpet judgment time and my takes are coming in hot.

Honestly, the red carpet looks were pretty dang good this time. I liked most of them, surprisingly! I feel like people really amped up their fashion choices here and everything started to look a little less prom-y (thank goodness!). Plus, it’s always fun to see the latest couture looks find their way into the real world. Read on to see my favorite and least favorite looks from the evening.

HOTS

Kacey Musgraves in Giambattista Valli Couture

Pink taffeta/tulle has been having a huge moment in fashion lately, and if you know anything about my style proclivities, you can probably predict that I freaking love it! This one is just so fluffy and whimsical- I adore the statement shoulders!

oscars 2019 red carpet fashion couture kacey musgraves giambattista valli the young eclectic

Rachel Weisz in Givenchy Couture

Latex??? On the red carpet? I’m here for it! I love Weisz’s neutral makeup and simple hair, too, because it really lets the red dress speak its own language. I’ll sum up my opinion like this: I would wear it.

oscars 2019 red carpet fashion couture style the young eclectic rachel weisz givenchy

Tessa Thompson in Chanel

The simplicity of this look is so charming and it looks so good on her! The sleekness of the black with the gold details is so dreamy, and I love the peplum on the hips and hemline!

oscars 2019 red carpet fashion couture style the young eclectic tessa thompson chanel

Lady Gaga in Alexander McQueen

First of all, it’s Lady Gaga, and when have I ever not approved of her look? The minimalism of this allows her to shine through in all of her Lady Gaga-ness. And those structured, architectural hips? Just incredible. I love it. *Italian chef kiss*

oscars 2019 red carpet fashion couture style the young eclectic lady gaga alexander mcqueen

Gemma Chan in Valentino Couture

Another major pink dress moment that I am practically salivating over. The ruffled color! The full, dramatic silhouette! The pockets! The cookies Chan brought in her pockets! (Yes, she really brought cookies with her!) – All amazing.

oscars 2019 red carpet fashion couture style the young eclectic gemma chan valentino

Elsie Fisher in Thom Browne

Wow, Elsie is really slaying me with this look. I’m 100% here for women wearing suits on the red carpet- it’s just so damn chic! And look at those shiny boots and that necklace/tie/collar under the collar! It’s all so good, it makes me want to be her BFF so she can share all of her style secrets with me!

oscars 2019 red carpet fashion couture style the young eclectic elsie fisher thom browne

Billy Porter in Christian Siriano

So you thought I would write an article about the Oscars red carpet without mentioning Billy Porter’s fabulous, gender-bending ballgown, huh? Well you thought wrong! It just blows my mind when people push the envelope and work to change what is considered the “norm,” which is basically arbitrary anyways. Bravo, Billy! Keep being you!

oscars 2019 red carpet fashion couture style the young eclectic billy porter

NOTS

Emilia Clarke in Balmain

The glitz and soft pink/purple color of this pretty dress are not what I have an issue with- it’s the unflattering way the dress is draped in the abdomen area that ruins the whole look. It’s honestly a little tragic 🙁

oscars 2019 red carpet fashion couture style the young eclectic emilia clarke balmain

Tina Fey in Vera Wang

I love Tina Fey, but this dress is just too plain for the red carpet. Like my main complaint with most of my least favorite looks, it just reminds me of a prom dress. There isn’t anything fantastic and showstopping about it, and if the Oscars red carpet isn’t the place to be as extra as possible, I don’t know where is.

oscars 2019 red carpet fashion couture style the young eclectic tina fey vera wang

Maya Rudolph in ???

So, I know you must be thinking “Why is this look in the ‘Nots’ when this is another frilly, pink dress?” Well, there is something here that just isn’t working for me. It may be the dated floral print, or the half-hearted ruffles. Or maybe it’s the cape that seems a little out of place. I’m just not sure.

oscars 2019 red carpet fashion couture style the young eclectic maya rudolph

Lucy Boynton in ???

Lucy Boynton has been killing the red carpets this award season with so many fun and whimsical looks that made her seem like even MORE of a gorgeous, ethereal, otherworldy goddess than she normally is. This dress is just bland. It’s fine, but when compared to her other looks, it just falls short.

oscars 2019 red carpet fashion couture style the young eclectic lucy boynton

That’s all, folks! Were you satisfied with the results of the Oscars this year? I’m just glad that Lady Gaga won an award, no matter how small and insignificant of an award it was! Award season is over now, so if you’re a fan of this series, you’ll have to wait a while for the next one. Stay tuned for other content, though!

All images in this article belong to Getty.

Fashion February 14, 2019

Unique, Unexpected Outfits for an Unforgettable Date with Your Valentine

You know what time it is, y’all! That magical day that comes smack in the middle of February to brighten our bleak winters with the prospects of love and romance (or cheap consumer goods, if you’re a cynic). It’s Valentine’s Day, if you haven’t already caught on, which means plenty of us are planning on going on some sort of date to take advantage of the increased levels of hopeless romance. Are you wondering what you should wear on such a date? Well, that’s why I’m here, isn’t it?

If you’re like me, then you treat every outing as an opportunity to debut a new outfit creation, so I was inspired to create some dazzling outfits with unique vibes that I’ve never worn before. They all have touches of some sweet pinks as an ode to the holiday that has us all swooning for our sweeties.

Check out my outfits below:

Bee Sweet, Bee Kind, Bee Mine

I really wanted to channel a fun, childish spirit with this look. I paired a pink, glittery sweater that features a bee embellishment with a whimsical, full mini skirt for a super fun and playful look. I finished it all off with some slides that feature rhinestone stars over a backdrop of gold and purple bugs, making it the perfect pairing with the bee sweater. And this purse is shaped like a camera- can you get much cuter than that?

Gray Mock Neck Top (Under Sweater) & Heart Choker- Forever21. Glittery Sweater- H&M, Thrifted from Buffalo Exchange. Skirt- Oak & Fort. Shoes- Circus by Sam Edelman. Purse- Betsey Johnson.

Black Is the New Pink

If you’re not really the pretty in pink type, and don’t own many looks that are the frilly, romantic type that Valentine’s Day demands, don’t worry! There are still plenty of cute options that fit perfectly with the spirit of ~love!~ like this little black dress with a trompe l’oeil pink collar and pink and purple cuffs. There is just enough sweetness for it to be the perfect date night look. I paired it with an oversized flower hair clip for a little extra special touch of romance.

Dress- ModCloth. Hair Clip & Boots- Forever21.

Bohemian Glam, Thank You Ma’am

I had so much fun putting this outfit together because I was just like “what else can I add to this to make it just a little more interesting?” First of all, this shimmery, frilly, pink top is such a dream that it makes any outfit a ~look~ and I paired it with some ’70s-inspired wide leg jeans and some platform clogs (both of which are also show-stopping pieces on their own). I accessorized with a crystal headband, a pearly fanny pack and a zig-zaggy Twin Peak’s necklace that my boyfriend gifted to me, making it the perfect accessory for a Valentine’s Day date outfit! All of these over-the-top elements really came together to create a look that totally fits with the fantasy aspects of this lovely, little holiday!

Top- Zara. Wide-Legged Pants- Forever21. Platform Clogs- Derek Lam, Thrifted from Buffalo Exchange. Fanny Pack- Forever21, Thrifted from Buffalo Exchange. Necklace & Headband- ????

I hope these few outfits inspired you to think outside of the box for your next date outfit, whether or not it’s for Valentine’s Day. Have a great holiday and don’t forget to shop all of the sale candy on the day after! And, as always, keep your eyes peeled for my next editorial~~~

Enjoy this funny, candid bonus pic from the shoot:

valentine's day cute quirky unique pink date outfit ideas editorial style fashion the young eclectic

Fashion February 13, 2019

Romantic Valentine’s Day Outfit Inspiration from the Couture Spring 2019 Runways

Valentine’s Day comes but once a year, and while for some it’s a time for candy and roses and candlelit dinners, for us fashion folks, it’s a great excuse for us to be as extra as we would like and dress like the ingenue in a classic movie or play, whether or not we have a date or party we plan on attending. And while I don’t have anything planned for tomorrow’s romantic festivities, I thought I would do all of you out there with dates a favor by giving you some great inspiration for your outfits, based on some of the couture looks that gave me the strongest Valentine’s Day vibes.

From subtle pinks to ravishing reds, and frilly ruffles to sleek silhouettes, these soft and sweet couture runway looks really awakened my inner hopeless romantic. Check out some of my favorite looks below:

Red Power Suit

Absolutely dominate your date in a crisp, red suit that will make you look like the sultry CEO your mom always wanted you to marry! We especially love any frilly details added in, which will make the look appropriately romantic for Valentine’s Day festivities.

Left- Elie Saab Couture Spring 2019, Right- Christian Dior Couture Spring 2019

Short, Sweet, Frilly & Unforgettable

Wow your date in an absolutely unforgettable cocktail dress that has all of the frills and embellishments expected of an over-the-top Valentine’s Day look including, but not limited to, ruffles, shimmery beading, floaty tulle, and whimsical crinolines to make the skirt extra full. Bonus points if the dress is so pink it assaults the vision with equal parts delight and alarm!

Left- Alexis Mabille Couture Spring 2019, Center- Zuhair Murad Couture Spring 2019, Right- Schiaparelli Couture Spring 2019

Giant Bows

Bows happen to be one of the most feminine and charming details you can add to a dress, so I love the idea of including one in a romantic, Valentine’s Day outfit. And imagine how much more whimsical and fantastic your look would be if that bow was an oversized focal point of the whole deal- I love it!, I need, and so do you!

Left- Christian Dior Couture Spring 2019, Center- Alexis Mabille Couture Spring 2019, Right- Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2019

Soft Florals

Florals can definitely make for a great accent to a Valentine’s Day getup because it will channel the romantic vibe of all of the bouquets of soft red and pink petals being handed out to everyone in the name of love. Plus they’re just so girly and cute, so you’ll definitely be feeling yourself in a dress covered in them!

Top: Left- Valentino Couture Spring 2019, Right- Luisa Beccaria Couture Spring 2019. Bottom: Left- Luisa Beccaria Couture Spring 2019, Right- Elie Saab Couture Spring 2019

Dramatic, Pink Coat

A statement coat is the perfect piece to spruce up any winter outfit, so why not make it an over-the-top, frilly one to really make your Valentine’s Day outfit stand out? And while both of these beautifully-textured coats are layered over body/swimsuits, we don’t generally recommend this for your casual February look- the coats though- wow!!

Left- Ralph & Russo Couture Spring 2019, Right- Zuhair Murad Couture Spring 2019

Ruffled Layers

In case you couldn’t tell from all of the available examples here, dresses with layered ruffles were ALL OVER the runway this couture season, so you’ll be ahead of the curve if you wear a Valentine’s Day look with this inspiration in mind! I’ve always really loved the look of Victorian-inspired ruffles because there’s just something so dreamy about it- I honestly wish I had somewhere to go just so I can wear something this extra!

Top: Left- Ralph & Russo Couture Spring 2019, Right- Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2019. Middle: Left & Right- Chanel Couture Spring 2019. Bottom: Left & Right- Alberta Ferreti Couture Spring 2019.

Sleek, Monotone Pink

There is something so sleek and modern about these monotone, pink looks that forgo all of the extra bling and embellishments for a more understated style of elegance. The soft, pink colors scream Valentine’s Day and you absolutely can’t go wrong with something so simple, yet sophisticated!

Left- Ralph & Russo Couture Spring 2019, Center- Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2019, Right- Antonio Grimaldi Couture Spring 2019

Bridal-Esque White

There is something so pure, innocent, and uniquely appealing about a frothy, floating, sheer veil that covers an equally flowing, white dress. And while it does channel major bridal or angel vibes, I think it creates such a dreamy look that would look breathtaking on a Valentine’s Day date!

Left- Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2019, Center- Armani Prive Couture Spring 2019, Right- Alexandre Vauthier Couture Spring 2019

Are you ready for all of the Valentine’s Day fun? I just can’t wait to put together a cute look to celebrate! Keep your eyes peeled for my Valentine’s Day editorial that will most likely be dropping sometime today or tomorrow! Happy Valentine’s Day, lovelies!

Fashion February 12, 2019

9 Cute & Quirky Accessories to Liven Up Your Valentine’s Day Look

Love is in the air, everyone. Because Valentine’s Day is this week, which means we get to enjoy wine, chocolate, sappy romance movies, and maybe a good meal with a person you happen to like, whether that be a friend or a lover- you decide! And while most people use this day as an excuse to love on their sweetie, for us fashion and makeup people, it’s an excuse to come up with ridiculously saccharine outfits and beauty looks that would be deemed too “over the top” for regular day-to-day life (if you care about other people’s opinions.).

And while you all anxiously await my upcoming Valentine’s Day themed editorial (stay tuned!) I decided to grace your feeds with a bit of Valentine’s Day inspiration to get you all nice and primed for my upcoming looks.

We all know how hard it is to decide what to wear sometimes, especially on a date. I’ll change my outfit a few times before settling on something, and when I do, I still can’t help but have that nagging feeling that something is missing- that, if only I had just one more cute or unique detail, it would be perfect. Cue the lightbulb to write this article: cute and quirky accessories that will give your outfit that little spark it needed to go from good to great.

I’ve scoured the accessories sections of a few of my favorite websites and chose some pieces I thought would be absolutely adorable accents for any Valentine’s Day getup- no date required! Check out my picks below:

Adorable Lapel Pins

Pins are such an underrated way to spruce up an outfit because they allow you to inject so much personality into one little detail. Once relegated to only denim jackets, backpacks, or hats, pins can now be added pretty much anywhere for a little spot of fun. Try adding one of these adorable doggie pins to the collar of your shirt, or to your purse strap for an extra dose of adorable to make Valentine’s Day extra special!

Left- Lazy Oaf Dog Pin Badge, $8.63. Center- Lazy Oaf Dog In Car Pin Badge, $8.63. Right- Lazy Oaf Flower Pup Pin Badge, $8.63.

Sweet As Honey Socks

Socks are the next big accessory that has taken the fashion world by storm, and I think they can be a great way to add a bit of extra flavor to an outfit, or even be the main feature of an outfit if all of the other pieces are pretty simple and understated. I love the bold, yellow color of these socks- they would look great with a black or white outfit. And the addition of the word “honey” just adds to the charm of these sweet socks, making them perfect for a Valentine’s Day outing!

urban outfitters yellow honey socks quirky cute accessories valentine's day

Out From Under Honey Crew Sock, $7 via Urban Outfitters.

Don’t-Be-Crabby Cowboy Hat

Honestly, when I first encountered this hat I found it equal parts vexing and irresistible. I mean, who ever thought that a coral, cowboy-esque hat with a gold, embroidered crab could be cute?? Add this to basically any outfit for an instant statement piece that will double as a conversation starter and make for some unique photos! I would totally wear this with a frilly, white shirt and some jeans.

Van Palma Crab Rancher, $258 via Anthropologie.

Bubblegum Mules

Sometimes your Valentine’s Day outfit just needs that little pop of pink to really drive home the point that it’s freaking Valentine’s Day, baby! I’ve really been digging these types of mules that don’t come as far up the foot as usual because it creates a more dainty, striking look. And in this bright pink, they’ll certainly be hard to miss! I would pair it with other pink things for an extra cute look!

Daisy Heel (Pink Satin), $99.99 via Ban.do.

Dainty, Pearl Bow

Do you ever look in the mirror as you’re finishing an outfit and think “man, I wish I had something cute to add to my boring hair”? Well, if you’re like me and think that very thought on a regular basis, then this dainty, girly, pearl bow hair comb might just be the perfect piece to add to your Valentine’s Day look (or any look, for that matter!). This classic-looking bow accessory works especially well for anyone who likes to rock a vintage-inspired wardrobe or look, rife with big collars, lace and plenty of frill!

Imitation Pearl Bow Hair Comb by Simone Rocha, $180 via Nordstrom.

Gaudy Statement Earrings

While I’m not much of an earring gal myself, I firmly believe in the power of earrings to totally transform a look from kinda dull to super cool- which is why I was so drawn to these super fun and charmingly-gaudy earrings. Not only will these earrings add some juicy color and detail to your Valentine’s Day ‘fit, but they’ll also ensure that all of the attention remains on your gorgeous face!

Left- Cherry Drop Earrings by Baublebar, $34. Center- Strawberry Earrings by Bablebar, $36. Right- Chirona Drop Earrings by Baublebar, $36.

Lovely Little Purse

For some reason, round bags always manage to cast a spell on me. I mean, just look how cute and curvaceous it is! If Aphrodite was alive today, she would carry this purse, and nobody can tell me otherwise! I love the smooth contrast between the pink and black, and the lovely, little heart conjures up the image of the Valentines I used to make and pass out to my friends in elementary school. So simple, innocent and sweet- Perfect for accompanying a similar Valentine’s Day outfit!

G.E.M. Heart Throb Bag, $64.68 via Lazy Oaf.

Chain of Love Necklace

I know, I know- I’m getting a bit literal with this one, since it’s literally just a gold necklace spelling out “LOVE.” But there is something so appealing about the spacing of the letters and the daintiness of it all that makes me want to layer it up with other dainty, gold necklaces to make the perfect, eclectic stack of shimmering goodness to round out my Valentine’s Day date night look! If you want to manifest love in your life, you should surround yourself with it, right? Even in the most obvious of ways.

Love Frontal Necklace by Argento Vivo, $68 via Nordstrom.

The Perfect Hair Bow

There is something so girlishly-charming about adorning a sleek ponytail with a hair bow that makes the idea so appealing in my mind, even though I am not the type to ever put my hair up. I just imagine wearing a wispy hair bow like this blue, floral beauty is something an ingenue in a modern retelling of a classic Shakespeare play might do, which makes it incredibly romantic, and thus, the perfect accessory to jazz up your Valentine’s Day outfit!

anthropologie hair bow cute floral accessories fashion style valentine's day love quirky sweet

Painterly Petals Scarf Ponytail Holder, $18 via Anthropologie.

I hope these few, little accessories have given you some big ideas on how to spice up your own Valentine’s Day outfits. Let me know which is your favorite, and if you would like me to do even more articles like these! Have a great Valentine’s Day, with or without a date!

Fashion February 7, 2019

Hot or Not: The 2019 SAG Awards Edition

I know this one is a little late to the game, as this year’s edition of the annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were held on January 27, I figured I would still cover the red carpet because I spent time looking at all of the looks, so that has to count for something gosh darnit! These looks definitely weren’t as wow-worthy as the Golden Globes looks, so I honestly had a hard time getting through them all (first world problems, I know), but I did this for you guys!

If you read my last “Hot or Not” article that covered the Golden Globes red carpet, a lot of my main complaints about the looks came from the fact that the dresses just look like average prom dresses, which I am forced to stare at all day every day while at work. That complaint still applies here- I mean, is it too much to ask that the dresses be more interesting? Apparently!

Buckle up and get ready to see my favorite and least favorite looks from the SAG Awards red carpet:

HOTS

Yara Shahidi in Fendi Couture

Okay, okay so I really adored this Fendi collection with all of the ethereal, sheer dresses layered over dreamy, liquid-esque shimmer, so I was psyched to see someone wear it on the red carpet, especially someone like Yara, who looks absolutely incredible and full of life!

yara shahidi fendi couture cartier jewelry and christian louboutin heels sag awards red carpet fashion style

Timothée Chalamet

I mean, come on… Just look at the guy! I’m not the type of gal that fawns over “hot” celebrity doods, but I think he looks really great here- effortlessly cool with a ton of different textures going on that create interest in the absence of color.

timothee chalamet red carpet fashion style menswear

Margot Robbie in Chanel

Honestly, Margot Robbie is absolutely glowing in this gorgeous Chanel dress! I love how much the gold pops against the white! I don’t have much else to say- keep being fab, Margot!

margot robbie chanel couture red carpet celebrities fashion style sag awards 2019

Lady Gaga in Dior Haute Couture

Would any of my “Hot” lists be complete without Lady Gaga? The answer is no! So here she is, looking very Marilyn Monroe in a flowing, white dress that hugs her body in all of the right places. And that leg slit is to die for! I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us at the Oscars!

lady gaga dior haute couture jimmy choo heels tiffany and co jewelry sag awards 2019 fashion style red carpet celebrity

Lucy Boynton in Erdem

I’m honestly kind of obsessed with Lucy Boynton’s recent looks- they’re so whimsical and fun! Compared to the other more glamorous, classic looks, she really stands out and her style really speaks to me! I can’t wait to see what else she wears in the coming months!

Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton

I am so here for Hollywood women donning sleek slacks on the red carpet, so I was instantly drawn to Emma Stone’s chic look! The gold top is glam, but balances out nicely with the understated pants! I can only hope that more women will start flexing their fashion muscles and attempt a pants look on the red carpet!

Kate Nash

Some might call it tacky, but I think it’s fun! More celebrities need to show their personalities on the red carpet, and I think wearing a funky dress is a great way to do that, even if not everyone will like it. Just look at how happy and cute it is!

Stephanie Shepherd in Rasario

There is something so classic and simple about wearing a flattering, black dress to the red carpet, so it’s hard to hate on it! This one stood out to me because of the fun ruffles down the skirt and the glamorous, all-over glitter effect.

NOTS

Elisabeth Moss in Monique Lhuillier

Elisabeth… why?? I love you in The Handmaids Tale, but this dress is just… ugh. It looks like a cheap wedding dress (Lhuillier IS a bridal brand…I would know) and that black belt at the waist just looks so random and out of place… It would have been 1000% better without the belt!

Madeline Brewer

Another The Handmaids Tale alumni that is just leaving me scratching my head. This look would be alright if the lace looked a little more high-quality and she was wearing more than just a bodysuit underneath. I don’t know, man. I just don’t like it. It’s too “boudoir” for my tastes!

Fiona Xie

This dress looks like a quintessential Seventeen magazine prom dress creation, or something a star would wear to the Kids Choice Awards (complete with anime hair!). While it is fun, and I can understand the appeal, the color palette just doesn’t appeal to me at all.

Alison Brie in Miu Miu

While I like the idea of wearing a giant bow on my back in theory (it’s very whimsical and playful and charming and fun), I just didn’t like how this one looked from the front. It honestly looks too costume-y for my tastes and I couldn’t help imagining how in the way it must have been!

TBH guys, I wasn’t feeling this one too much. Should I keep doing them? I think I will definitely cover the Oscars and MAYBE the Grammy’s, so if you’re actually enjoying these Hot or Nots, stay tuned!

Fashion February 5, 2019

Styling My Newest Zara Haul

I have a problem with clothes. I have a huge closet full of them, plus a chest of drawers, plus two more drawers, plus a box of clothes I never wear but am holding onto “just in case.” It’s safe to say I probably don’t need any more, and if I do get anything new, I should probably part with some of my older stuff (I’m looking at you, giant box of clothes I might still maybe need someday for some reason). But I don’t, so here we are!

Whether my desire for new pieces to flesh out my wardrobe is an addiction or a passion isn’t the topic of this article (although, maybe it should be). I’m here to show off my newest selections from Zara, which over the past year has become my favorite place to pick up interesting blouses and dresses at a reasonable price. I picked up this most recent haul during one of their online sales, so it was all at least 50% off the original price, which is pretty much the only way I’ll buy anything from a fast fashion brand, since the pieces lack the quality suggested by their original price tag.

I’ve styled three looks using my latest pieces, all channeling a different vibe. Check out my picks below:

Simple and Polished

When I first ordered this dress, I was really skeptical that it was going to look good on me because they didn’t have the size I needed, so I bought a size up. But man, did that work out because it gives the dress that endearing, oversized fit that I love so much. The ruffled, tweed-esque, grey dress is attached to the crisp, white shirt which looks so chic and makes crafting an outfit so simple! I’ve paired it with a pair of gleaming combat boots and a red lip for just a little bit of edginess, but with a pair of oxfords it’s ready for the office!

Dress: Zara. Boots: Urban Outfitters.

Soft and Flowing

If you’ve been keeping up with this website, then you know I’ve been super into layering lately, which is why this flowing, pastel blue, sleeveless top caught my attention. Not only is it nice and easy breezy like I prefer my clothes and tops, it also makes a great layering piece over long-sleeved white shirts, like the ruffled, high neck one I paired it with here. And layering gives the top high rewearability value because there are so many options for what to do with it! I finished off my playful outfit with a denim mini skirt (that does a great job at highlighting my legs) and some chunky, white, rockstar boots.

Blue Top: Zara. White Blouse: H&M. Denim SKirt: Loft. Boots: Forever21.

Pretty Pinafore

I’m pretty much obsessed with pinafores, or dresses meant to be worn over something else (duh, layering!), so I have to pick them up pretty much anytime I come across one that gets my fashion juices flowing. I loved the long length of this one- it makes me look like the tallest woman in the world!- and the ruffled hem makes it more trendy and interesting. I was even drawn to the mousy brown coloring because it’s so versatile. Paired here with the plaid top and a pair of now suddenly trendy cowboy boots, it looks country, but can easily be dressed up with a slinky blouse and some heels. Because the vibe of it will change depending on what top you wear underneath, the possibilities are basically endless!

Pinafore Dress and Plaid Top: Zara. Boots: Cavender’s.

I hope these outfits gave you a few ideas on how to inject some fun into your wardrobe this week! Keep your eyes peeled for next week’s shoot, which will be themed around that one love holiday that might be coming up soon, so stay tuned!

Fashion January 31, 2019

Walk the Aisle In Style- Why I Want to Skip the Wedding Dress and Buy Designer

I think every woman must have, at some point during her life, imagined what her wedding might be like someday- a magical ceremony where, dressed in a luscious, gleaming white gown, you march down the aisle toward your forever-sweetie, who eagerly awaits to receive you, tears streaming down their face. This is your stereotypical vision of a wedding, and according to pretty much every facet of western pop culture, your wedding day is supposed to be one of the most blissful, special days of your entire life, which means people pour A TON of money into each little aspect of it- including the dress. I’m talking thousands of dollars here, just tossed at the nearest bridal boutique for a dress that will be worn exactly once (and maybe more if you have a daughter someday and they happen to want to wear your dress on their wedding day).

I used to have a very particular vision for how I wanted my wedding dress to look, which was something out of a fantasy- a ball gown of epic proportions that would make Cinderella swoon at the site of the dramatic, sweeping skirt. I imagined myself all wrapped up in a veil, carrying my flowers in front of me like a corpse in a coffin, all stiff-armed and painfully formal. And I might have been content with that, if I didn’t end up working in the bridal industry, working with bridal collections and staring at bridal dresses from different designers day in and day out- it’s ruined all of my bridal hopes and dreams.

Gucci white wedding dress fashion style bridal designer runway — I love the idea of wearing a unique, designer piece to my wedding (like this dazzling Gucci gown), rather than a traditional wedding dress that has no personality. Source.

All of this to say, if I have learned anything from my current position as an account manager at a company that creates websites that list products for bridal and prom retailers across the world, it’s that all wedding dresses look the same. I’ve become absolutely desensitized to all of the satin and tulle and lace and Mikado silk and beaded embroidery and floral appliques and mermaid silhouettes and A-line skirts and bateau necklines and illusion backs and and and… it’s so tiring, yet equally amazing to me that these designers can all repeatedly create the same overused styles each season and still sell so freaking many! And for so much money- the average bride will spend between $1,300 and $2,00 on the dress for her big day.

Here’s the deal- I made a decision after a straight year of basically injecting all things wedding dress straight into my veins on a daily basis, that for my wedding, I would avoid “wedding” dresses altogether. It just seems to me that since our culture has constructed this narrative around ~being a bride~, women are willing to shovel their cash into buying something just because it has the “wedding” label attached and they get to experience their own As-Seen-On-TV “Yes Moment.” Well, I’m not going to buy into it. Instead, since wedding dresses are so expensive anyways, I decided I’m going to indulge in my love of fashion and just buy a white dress from a designer I love. That way, instead of looking exactly like every other bride out there wearing a dress sanctioned by the bridal industry and marked up to match this arbitrary distinction, I’ll be wearing a unique, designer piece that allows me to show more of my personality. After all, isn’t that what your wedding should be about? Celebrating yourself and your partner and all of the things that made you fall in love with one another in the first place. No “wedding” dress required.

I briefly looked through a few of my favorite sites that carry luxury designer labels and chose my favorite white dresses that I think would work beautifully for any wedding (trust me, I’m an expert!). Check out my picks below:

Products, from left to right in rows:

Row 1:
Valentino, $6,700
Rosie Assoulin, $4,995
Roksanda, $2,475
Row 2:
Emilia Wickstead, $5,775
Alex Perry, $2,542
Peter Do, $2119.23
Row 3:
Fendi, $4,966
Alexander McQueen, $4,218
Rochas, $3,334
Row 4:
Erdem, $4,562
Parlor, $1,540
Alice McCall, $650
Row 5:
Huishan Zhang, $3,107
Gucci, $11,223

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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.

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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.