Showing posts with label style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label style. Show all posts

My Style: Graphic Jungle


If you're tired of seeing me in stripes, raise your hand. Ok, I see a few. Well, I'm sorry. Stripes happen. I can walk into anything store, and I'm immediately drawn to those white and black bars. Stripes have me brainwashed, but I'm not complaining. It's not like I'm trying to force you to like them just because I love them. It's not a conspiracy. I just have a problem. But this outfit is a new one for me. Never before have I worn stripes together. It's unheard of. What about stripes with dots? Yeah, I went there. It's bold. It's graphic. It's a jungle out there is these streets.



I was inspired by an outfit I saw Jennifer Lopez rocking on American Idol. I couldn't believe she was wearing stripes of different sizes all in the same dress. Perfection. It hugged her body in all the right places and the patterns didn't seem to compete with each other at all. I thought "Hey! If J-Lo can do it, then so can I." Ok, I may be a bit delusional because I don't have a booty like hers or star power like that either. But I've got something, dang it!


The Look
Shirt: Zara (similar)
Skirt: BDG
Heels: Zara (similar)
Sunglasses: Peter Pilotto for Target
Clutch: Merona
Earrings: Target
Ring & Necklace: LZZR Jewelry


The outfit is already banging, but the accessories are like the sprinkles on top of the icing on the cake. Yes I kept the heels basic and black, but they have a sort of suede texture that gives them extra za-zing. The copper necklace necklace and bronze rectangular ring are from latest collection by Lzzr Jewerly. Heavy metal never looked so chic. The shades I scored on sale from the Peter Pilotto for Target collection. Solid-colored sunglasses are such a bore. The polka dot clutch is also pretty sweet and adds some color so that I don't look like a really long barcode.


Super industrial buildings, street art, and one delicious dirty chai latte made this outfit come to life. Shot in around the Daily Dose Cafe in downtown LA. Awesome pics by Taryn with the assistance of Alex for 6twenty7 photography.

If someone tries to say that wearing different stripes together is a fashion faux pas, just show them this. I may look like a zebra plus a cheetah with a little bluebird in her hand, but I'm one hot Phoenix. Better recognize.

How To Wash Your Bras & Delicates

Lace, satin, and baby-soft cotton. These are the fabrics my lingerie is made of. They are dainty and sophisticated, yet also protects my girly parts. When it comes to washing your delicates especially your bras, you’ve got to take very special care of them. How many times have you accidentally thrown your favorite bra into the wash with your other clothes only to find it warped and shrunken later? Or you’ve got a sweat stain on that white satin bra you like so much and you think it’s ruined forever. The secret to keeping your bras in tip-top shape…do it the old fashioned way and hand wash.

Unlike panties that you can throw in a delicates bag and put in the washing machine, bras need extra TLC. Get some tips and keep reading on KisforKinky.

This is part 5 of 6 in our Kisforkinky x Model Liberation 'She' collaboration.

My Style: Florida Evans


I must be in a classic rock kind of mood. First the Santana album and now Clapton. How can you not admire either one of them. They are a couple of my all-time favorite guitarists. Definitely in a class all their own. This look isn't just about music, but a movement and an era. A time of self expression and experimentation. Freedom of speech and the freedom to disco. Black power and black exploitation. For some reason, when I put this outfit on and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, the name that came to mind was Florida Evans. Don't ask me why.


In all honesty, this isn't something the mom from Good Times would've worn at least not in its entirety. Maybe she would've had this floral number, but the sunglasses and turban are something her best friend Willona would've sported. Anyway, I picked up the blazer from Zara on super sale. I thought it looked a little busy for my taste, but as soon as I slipped it on I knew it was mine. When I saw the peep toe booties I immediately felt sexy in that sort of Mary Jane Girls vibe. But the combination of the floral in the jacket and the shoes has Paisley Park written all over it.


The Look
Jacket: Zara
Shirt: thrift store score
Jeans: Wrangler
Shoes: Aldo
Turban: Lublu Kira Plastinina
Ring & Earrings: Urban Outfitters
Bracelets: R.J. Graziano
Sunglasses: Outlook Eyewear (similar)


The inspirations for the outfit just keep on going. The t-shirt and jeans are things I practically live in. They are so worn down and cozy that I wish I had a thousand just like them. Very tomboy and boxy which is just my style. A great way to dress up such a masculine look is with fabulous accessories. The turban and earrings have a north African feel like an Arabesque Cookie or A Night in Tunisia. If you've never heard any of these jazz songs, please look them up and have a listen.


This is something your flower child godmother would wear except that I doubt she'd be caught dead in a double-knit blazer. It's very earthy and rock-n-roll but with a touch of chic. Keep in mind, everything was kind of thrown together. I was literally just grabbing things from my closet to put on like I was dressing up as a character from that Cameron Crowe's Almost Famous. The end result is a little bit gypsy, a little bit hippy, and a lot trippy.

Underneath

For many of us, underwear is just functional. We put it on to support the girls or to protect our womanly parts. There's no lace, no frills, and no fuss, but boy is it boring. Ladies, they may do the job but there is absolutely nothing attractive about granny panties and 18-hour bras. Get rid of them! If it looks like something your mother would wear or maybe even your mom bought it for you, trash it. For models undies can be even more blah than usual. A nude bra preferably strapless and a nude thong is our required uniform for photo shoots. Because of all my practical undies, a real problem arose. When I actually wanted to look sexy for a hot date or even for myself, I had nothing to wear. I had a few basic full-coverage black bras and plain colored panties but that was it. My underwear needed an overhaul.

The first thing I had to do was stop thinking of it as underwear and start calling it lingerie. There is a big difference. Undies are what you use to cover up while lingerie is what you wear to embrace and enhance your precious goodies. It is made of luxurious fabrics like lace, silk, and satin that feel soft against your skin. While breathable cotton is highly encouraged for your lower half, you can go all out on the top with pretty bras. I prefer bras with support that still look alluring, so my eye tends to gravitate toward balconettes, t-shirt bras and the occasional demi-cup. Besides these, there are a few other types of brassieres that I believe every woman should have in her lingerie drawer.

Black Lace
It's as classic as a martini. Just look at all the detail in the fabric. The delicate eyelets and the fleshtone mesh peeking through. This bra reminds me of something a French woman would wear. It's very delicate but sophisticated. This particular one is from Truth or Dare by Madonna, so you know it screams sexy. It has underwire, but is a more relaxed fit for those days you're just lounging around the house. I love wearing black lace under a white button-up shirt so that someone possibly could sneak a peek of it when I'm leaning over. Business on the surface, but underneath it's all play.

Floral Print
What says feminine better than flowers. Floral prints come in different colors from white to black with red roses and anything in between. This one is by Gap Body and features bright orange and yellow on blue satin. It's so hot it's tropical. The longline cut is similar to a bustier but with straps, so there's lots of va-va-voom. This style also great for ladies that are a little busty. If you want to pair this bra with panties, pick something solid that's got shine and a punch of color.

White and Structured
Something that Marilyn Monroe would have worn. This bra is full coverage without looking matronly. The silhouette is reminiscent of that 1950s sort of cone bra the Hollywood sirens used to wear, but with a modern twist. This H & M bra is lightly lined and has this really pretty scalloped trim paired with a nude mesh. It's also a convertible bra so you can wear it with or without the straps. Works great under a sweater or even a crew neck shirt.

Yes, bras are designed to hoist up your bosom but they can also be quite nice to wear. You can match your bra with your panties or mix it up with separates. See how pretty lingerie can be. It doesn't matter if you're showing it off to the world or keeping it a secret for yourself, buy lingerie that makes you feel like a million dollar baby. You definitely deserve to spoil yourself every now and then.

Underneath is part 4 of 6 in our KisforKinky x Model Liberation "She" collaboration. Photographs by Angel Jordan.

United in Style: Ash & Blake

Finding your other half is already difficult enough. The search for the right man is similar togoing on a treasure hunt. You know it's there, you've just got to keep digging for gold. But finding a guy with style is like Mission: Impossible. A man who knows how to carry himself and dress is so incredibly sexy, but only a handful of them exist. As women we either have to mold our guy into dressing like James Bond or deal with ratty jeans and holey t-shirts. Uber-stylish couple Ashley and Blake of Anything and Everything LA definitely lucked out when they go together. Both have not only a fantastic wardrobe but an ability to complement each other's style. When you see them out and about Ashley and Blake look photo shoot perfect. I caught up with Ash to chat about what makes her relationship really spark.

1. How did you and Blake meet?
Blake and I met in High School. It was such an awkward time at both our lives, but we made it through and are so happy. We’ve basically grown up together, and that has effected our relationship in so many ways.

2. What attracts you to a guy?
Confidence and a great personality. I love someone I can converse with, and someone who accepts and allows me to be myself. I guess that’s way almost 10 years later, I’m still extremely attracted to Blake.


3. How do you plan your outfits with Blake? Do you pick something out first?
Blake and I never really plan outfits together, we’re so different. We do like to contrast color palettes so that the other stands out as an individual; we don’t want to go around looking like twins. That wouldn’t be pleasant. LOL. As a blogging couple, we’re always seen together, but in the end, we’re still individuals with individual style. We never plan ahead. We see one another before we leave and it’s a surprise. That’s always fun!

4. What inspires your style?
I am greatly inspired by street style blogs around the world. I admire the simplicity exuded by real people. They’re my greatest inspirations.

Ash and Blake are too cute. They are the most darling couple and just all around really nice people. Check out their blog Anything and Everything LA to see how a couple that's in style together stays together.

My Style: NYFW Flashback

Aaah the memories. Fashion Week has once again decended on New York, but this time I'm not there. I keep seeing all the photos and updates from the runway, and it makes me sad. Why am I not there too?! But when I see other style mavens all bundled up that's when I'm glad that I passed on this trip. How can you be cute in the cold? I digress. For this edition of My Style, I dug up on an oldie-but-goodie from my past days at Lincoln Center.

This look was something that I threw together at the last minute. You know when you went out partying the night before and you're running late for a morning fashion show. Well, that's this. The truth is, it's actually a repeat. Shhh, don't tell. I slipped it on briefly for a party but didn't funk it up. Besides, I didn't get photographed wearing it... I don't think. Geez.

Every fashion blogger has her NYFW outfits planned out in advance. We lay everything out and sometimes even take pictures of our looks so that we're organized for the trip. But you also have to pack some extra separates just in case you pull something from a showroom. I grabbed this dress from BCBG the night before the company's show when they were still finalizing all the runway looks. I'm usually not a girly girl, but for some reason the lace was just calling me.

So I didn't have time to straighten my hair from a job that I'd done the day before. I woke up in the morning and I looked like I'd gotten into a fight with a flat iron. My edges were already starting to curl back up. There was no way that I was going to straighten my hair all over again, just to have it attacked by humidity once I went outside. In a frenzy, I threw on a hat I borrowed from my girl Taye and off we went to Lincoln Center.

Beauty is pain. I got these Giuseppe Zanotti sandals on super sale and knew they'd be perfect for fashion week. The problem is I forgot to break them in beforehand. They may look good, but talk about uncomfortable. These babies only feel good when you're walking on thick carpet and rose petals, not when you're trekking around the city.

The Look
Dress: BCBG Max Azria
Jacket: L'Agence
Hat: H & M
Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti
Clutch: Mano
Necklace: Stella & Dot

Despite the hilarious circumstances surrounding this outfit, it was a hit. When Taye and I finally got to Lincoln Center photographers swarmed us. We had to politely fight our way through the frenzy to make whatever show we were going to. Afterwards I graciously posed for the cameras. I miss those flashing lights. Thanks to Taye and photographer Aristide Loua for snapping these shots.

xoxo

My Stylebook: Scarves 101

Knot it. Tie it. Drape it. Loop it. Turn it. Wrap it. Stop - unwrap it. There are so many different ways to wear a scarf. The options are endless. A printed scarf can add that extra something to make any outfit a banger. Think about it. When it's a layering weather, I wear the exact same thing all the time: a T-shirt, skinny jeans, simple heels, and my black leather L'Agence jacket. For some reason this look never gets boring, and you know why? It's all about the scarf, baby. If you're completely clueless as to how to wear one, I've got a few fun options that are sure to step up your style game.

First up to bat is an easy go-to scarf style I call the wrap around. Don't put any thought into this. You just throw on the scarf, wrap around your neck and go! It's supposed to look effortless, and it is actually. The wrap around works for scarves of any size, but the bigger the better. The next options I'll run through like a playbook, but very easy to follow.

When you're freezing...

When you need to be modest...

When you want to tie your scarf in a top knot... Just twist and tuck.

When you want the business in the back... Follow the example above but reverse the direction of the knot.

When you want to look like you're in an early 80s dance movie about street gangs...

Who knew one little scarf could have so many possibilities. It's like a basic song with a thousand remixes. You've got the dubstep remix, the deep house remix, the chillout remix, the trap remix, the extended album remix, the remix featuring all your favorite rappers. It never gets old. Pick a scarf that makes you feel something whether it's because of the color, texture, or shape and go for it! Just play.

XOXO

This Is How You Do Grammy Glam

Oh yeah! Last night's Grammy Awards did all the I hoped it would. I was entertained, shocked, and flabbergasted all at the same time. I categorize the awards show as an action-comedy with a little drama. The red carpet arrivals didn't disappoint either. Beyonce was gorgeous. Madonna and son David were pimps. But you know who really killed it? Chrissy Teigen! "If you've been living under a rock for a few years then you may be asking "who the freak is she?" Well she's this guy's other half, and by this guy I mean Grammy-winning crooner John Legend. Oh and did I mention that she's a model?!

Sometimes Chrissy and I don't meet eye-to-eye when it comes to her style, but for the Grammys she reminded all y'all of what she does for a living. Slaying it! The gold sequins gown by Australian designer Johanna Johnson is just so stunning. You see how it hugs her body and glistens in all the right places. Ooo girl! Chrissy's hair with those soft aves and side braid is edgy but glamorous. Her makeup is perfectly peach and shows off those cheeks. Notice that nothing takes away from the dress. It's all just a gorgeous combo.

So many celebrities get it all wrong on music's biggest night with big, bad hair, streetwalker makeup, and horrible style. But Chrissy nailed it. I'm sure even some Hollywood starlets are hating on her right now because this look is Oscar worthy. Thanks John Legend for reminding everybody that you're married to a model. And thank you Chrissy for showing us how to do the Grammys right.

Sound off: What was your favorite red carpet look from the last night?

Went Out For Pizza, Came Back With A Sequins Jacket

This is a true story. A love story. Yesterday afternoon I was starving after having worked with no snack break. I needed something to eat that was quick and easy, so I got in my car and drove to my neighborhood pizza joint. While I waited for my order, I dropped by this cute boutique next door. Do you smell trouble? I know I do.

I walk in and lo and behold in the distance I see this fine young thing. How adorable! It's flirting and winking at me with its sparkly sequins. I'm trying to resist, but I'm weak. The jacket was hanging there all by herself with no one to play with. She was the last of her kind. When I tried to leave she she got all sad.


Jacket by English Rose
I gave into temptation and tried her on. How easily my arms slipped into her sleeves. We shared a very tender embrace. It was love. After that I knew I couldn't leave her in that store alone. Without further hesisation I took the jacket to the register and decided to formally adopt her. As soon as I signed my name on the dotted line, she officially became mine.

The salesgirl carefully wrapped up my new jacket, and I strolled out with her in my hands. I'm the luckiest girl in the world. We picked up our fresh, hot pizza and walked off into the sunset... and lived happily everafter.

The End