Activewear: NEON with a touch of cool girl

The Inspiration:

Both from "Defying Gravity", Teen Vogue, September 2011

The Outfit:

Tomboy neon with a flash of too cool, this outfit is not your average work out pout.

*Champion for Target shorts, Forever 21 tights, Nike shirt, Converse shoes, Goody headbands, Smart Wool socks.

1950's Fairy Lady [in Paris?]

Sometimes I feel like I just unknowingly produce 50s outfits.  You know how everyone has their "era" that they usually weren't alive in? Well mines the 1950s. 

So I was in the most anti-winter of moods this morning, so of course I conjured up a spring/summer outfit.

*But it's so pretty!* That's the voice inside my head.  

This outfit reminds me so much of a Parisian fairy (?) basking in the valley for some reason.  The metallic silver top paired with the taupish skirt is so...magical...

Attempting to make it more 50s with a pan. WHAT IS THAT
MYSTERIOUS BEING?!

*Inside out Aqua tank top, Urban Outfitters skirt, Yosuke Yajima wedges.  Oh, and Le Creuset pan!

--Lily

Taking My Pig for a Walk with a Fringed Top

No big deal....



*Sweet Sour top (that I cut up), Gap jeans, Ray Ban sunglasses, Natural Comfort wedges

Is Style Relevant?

In almost every fashion magazine, book, article there is something about your style. How to define it, recognize it, and embrace it.  Sometimes there may even be generic fashion pieces that are "must-haves", such as a striped shirt for a more classic style, a leather jacket for a grunge style, or patterned tights for an eclectic-type style.  However, I don't think there is a need to define your style by gaping at a bunch of overpriced clothes in a magazine article that make you feel depressed about your current clothing situation.  Your "style" is your own, and it shouldn't have to be defined at all.

The great thing about fashion is that you can experiment.  Have different identities.  Wear clothes that have a story behind them, whether real or fake.  So why should you limit yourself to one certain type of style? That surely isn't any fun.  

I think that style is defined as, simply, what you like and what you don't; your aesthetic.  It isn't limiting yourself to a certain type of clothes, nor a certain persona.  I am not trying to disdain those ever-so-helpful style books, however.  They actually fuel the fire and are a great inspiration.

Collage of all different styles made by me

Ciao!

Lily

Little Red Riding Hood

It's almost the end of October, and I could hardly stand not wearing my amazing North Face coat that looks like the Michelin man.  So I brought it out yesterday, planning to wear it all day because it really complements my red turtleneck, but after five minutes I was sweating outrageously (it IS a ski coat, after all), so I took it off and my outfit looked horrible with just a red turtleneck, jeans, and converse.  And I didn't even have the idea of teased pigtails then. Eww.

So today, I grabbed my camera and suede wedges and switched out my polka dot pajamas for skinny jeans and gave it another try.  After many shots, and doing about ten effects each in Picnik, I was done. And happy.

So enjoy!

Lily

*Burberry Sweater, North Face jacket, Akira jeans

The Next Big Thing: Magnetic Nail Polish

HEY GUYS

So I read about this in a magazine,  and wanted to try it out.  It's a metallic, magnetic nail polish that reacts to the magnet on the lid in a cool wave pattern.  It's actually really easy, too! I got it at Sephora for $16, which isn't so bad as it's the only company that makes this polish.  How it works: there are small iron bits in the nail polish that attract to the magnet on top...and create a really cool pattern!

Ciao!

Lily

Oh Yes I Did

I'm gonna make this quick, though 1am is a cool time to blog, my brain isn't exactly, umm, the sharpest.

Yes, I did start high school. Yes, I still love fashion. Yes, I will post later. Yes, I don't have much time. No, I haven't abandoned you.

You probably noticed. New title. New layout. And there's more to come.
For better or for worse? That's for you to decide.

In the meantime, my tumblr: weare2beautiful.blogspot.com
Just getting started, but I post a black and white photo on there almost everyday.

Have a happy Monday.

xo Lily

My Favorite Shoes Ever That I Downright Refuse to Wear

Actually, they're my mom's. But I don't think she's worn them either.

I'm obsessed with these suede wedges.  I probably try them on once a week, and I have done my fair share of tripping, believe me.  The reason? I love them. They are so amazingly mod with the leather circle cutout, yet casual, clunky, and comfortable, which is surprising because they actually are fashionable.  

I haven't worn them because a.) I'm going to be taller than everyone and therefore stand out b.) there's no way I could get away with them at school. Pathetic, only two reasons why I have yet to wear them...Enough with this depressing fact.  I'M WEARING THEM TODAY! I think.

I love the "swing" of this skirt combined with the shoes.
Pardon the hand.

Excuse the mess, but I think it complements the shoe.

This bold, electric blue sweater adds a sense of quirkiness to the
outfit that goes with the shoes.

Aqua sweater and skirt, Natural Comfort wedges. 

Ciao!

Lily xo

Metallic Grunge

Cara accessories

Alice + Olivia




Grunge. Bohemian....you may as well call me the 90's blog.  

Siwy, from tobi.com

From ilegallcargotogo.blogspot.com

Well, I wanted to go in a different direction this time with metallics. Here are some looks and pieces that I fell in love with, some metallic with a hint of grunge, others 100% rock star.

All these looks below and above are not necessarily for the fall, nor are they "in" (but that shouldn't matter, as I've stressed before.) They are simply a taste of what I am in the mood for for Fall/Winter.  Love it, love it, love it.

Ciao!
Lily xxo

Proenza Schouler, Resort 2011

Lanvin, Resort 2012

DKNY, Resort 2012

Alice + Olivia, Fall 2011

Alice + Olivia, Fall 2011

Reed Krakoff, Fall 2011

Bohemian Rhapsody

Bohemian Rhapsody, a song by Queen.  I've only listened to it all of once, and from what I get from it, it has little to do with this outfit.  Queen's okay, but personally I like the Who better, when it comes to ancient bands, haha.  And of course the Beatles, which kinda are an inspiration to this outfit.   Also Jimi Hendrix, though the first time I listened to one of his songs was yesterday.  What a sad world it is...

Images above subject to copyright. 
Beatles picture from biographyworld.net, Hendrix pic 1 from bumslogic.wordpress.com, Hendrix pic 2 from babylonsistersshakeit,blogspot.com


So these two are big inspirations, especially Jimi, who in typical music legend style died at the age of 27 due to drug overdose (reminds me of Amy Winehouse- R.I.P.).

On with the outfit...

Starring:

A vintage-esque tee (LOL Vintage)
Green cut-offs (Klique B. Jeans)
Worn fake leather boots (Wanted Shoes)
Arrowhead necklace (unknown)

...

Why the knotted shirt? Believe it or not, there is a delicate balance to boho style, even fashion in general.  If I didn't knot the shirt à la Kristen Stewart, the shirt would cover up the shorts and I would look like a six-year-old camp-goer.  Not good.


Why the boots? It's the end of July, after all.  I would've worn moccasins for this outfit, but in my opinion they are overused and uninteresting.  Don't worry, I'm kidding. Kind of. This summer I have literally worn moccasins at least four times a week, and as my mom says, "Those aren't summer shoes.  They look so warm." Well, I still do wear them, but sometimes change is good, though moccasins are amazing; they're overused for a reason!


Where'd you get the necklace? It is so cool, unique, amazing, and it perfectly complements your outfit! Why thank you, that is SUCH a sweet thing to say! *wink, wink* I actually got it in tourist-buzzing Saugatuck in a Native American-type, nature inspired store (a boho chica's dream!). It was only......*drum roll please*....FOUR dollars! Nice... 


Well I hope you enjoyed!
Ciao!
xxo Lily

My Favorite Accessory: Ray-Bans

I have always loved the classic wayfarers sunglasses shape, which is the shape of traditional Ray-Bans.  The first time I "encountered" them was in sixth grade, with my neon yellow ones from Target.  These were a big hit both with me and my classmates, and my passion for these sunglasses grew from there.  I have had rainbow ones, black-and-white checkered ones, black ones....and now I have the real deal: "designer" ones.

Mine

The Ray-Bans that I have now are two-toned: classic black on the outside, and a pop of red on the inside.  They were kind of a splurge (for me), $150, I believe, but they are really worth it.  I just love how glamorous, simple, and timeless they are!

Audrey Hepburn and Andy Warhol wearing Ray Bans.

Ciao!

xxo Lily



Brands
Aqua sequin dress
Secondhand silver suspenders
Forever 21 shirt
Ray-Ban sunglasses (RB2140 Original Wayfarer, Ray-Ban.com)




First sunglasses image from ray-ban.com
Image of Audrey Hepburn and Andy Warhol from hubpages.com- "Ray-Ban Aviators
and Wayfarers: Two American Legends". 


Both images subject to copyright.

Outfit of the Day

Hey everyone!  So, on the 4th of July, I was kind of in a rebellious 80s mood, so I came up with this outfit, bike shorts and all.  I was inspired by the idea of mixing opposites: preppy collared shirt and pearls with a goth-like tutu and risky biker shorts.  Why the biker shorts? Well, the skirt is pretty short when a shirt is tucked into it, and I think it gives the outfit a cool edge.  

Pretty short, but the pictures say it all, I suppose...

Clothing/Accessory Brands from this Outfit:

• Fake pearls (Unknown)
• Light blue collared and ruffled shirt (Converse for Target)
• Black tutu (Forever 21)
• Striped socks (Converse, online) 
• Also featured is the fabulous OPI shatter nail polish in white over a sparkly violet Essie color!

Ciao,

Lily

In.spi.rat.ion

Inspiration for fashion may at first seem separated, like it cannot be translated in to clothing.  For example, a tree.  Some people may wonder, "How does that have anything to do with fashion?". Well it has everything to do with fashion.  The way it sparkles in the dusk could inspire a shimmering evening mini, or the texture of the leaves could inspire a skirt with vein-like detailing.

Other examples are life and death.  Style should never die in my opinion, yet this is ironic because season after season, year after year, trends do die, and so do some people's styles.   I think that your unique style should stay with you throughout your life, and that is why it is important to develop and know your style, and stay true to yourself.  Though this is confusing, I suppose that life and death are perhaps the biggest inspiration to fashion, to all creative subjects, and how we live our days.

I guess what I am trying to say is that fashion style is not always about picking out clothing for their looks, or what is popular (please don't get me started on this).  It is not about what is tangible, it is about the emotion that goes in to making the clothes or styling them, and the inspiration.  This makes the overall look more solid and full, not hollowed out due to lack of inspiration and feeling.

Proving this point is the definition of beauty. According to the dictionary, the definition is, "The quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest)."  This definition stresses the personality and vibe of a person or thing, which goes against our society's common definition of beauty simply prettiness.  


These topics make me wonder, and I hope they make you wonder too...


............................................................................................................................................................

Three Things I Bought From...Forever 21

Forever 21 is an amazing, fun store! Sure, they don't always have the best quality, but their prices and clothing styles are great- they easily last at least one season.  So I went there the other day and bought about six or seven items for $85!  WOW, am I right?!

Anyways, here are my three favorite items that I bought that I actually, um, needed in a way.

These shorts are such a bold staple.  I love them with classic
Converse high-tops and a tank, or dressed up with a nice tunic and
sandals.  It came with a detachable yellow belt too.  Impressive, right?

This denim shirt really is a classic.  I feel like I can wear it in all of
the seasons, but I especially love it for spring/summer.  It is great
as a kind of bohemian cover-up with a swim suit and moccasins, or
 with shorts and a tank. The top also came with a great brown, woven belt.

Last but not least, this woven shirt is probably my favorite.  Like the
denim shirt, it would look so cool as a cover-up for a bathing suit, but it
also would look pretty with skinny jeans and sandals or flats. Love it!  :)

Okay, well there you have it- three summer staples that I got from Forever 21.

Ciao!

All three items are the Forever 21 brand, tank top is Aqua brand.