Jean Paul Gaultier

It's been a while huh? I haven't posted since July. I knew this would be my biggest challenge. Between work, church, community service, and trying to have a social life. I knew keeping up a blog would be challenging. But it's fall now and time to turn over a new leaf...(bad pun)

As I promised in my previous post, I want to share my pictures from the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit I went to while in San Fran. Please forgive me because I am not a photographer and my photos will do no justice to his work.

For those of you who do not know much about this genius of a designer here is just a little about him. He is known for playing with traditional gender roles in his shows. His style is often described as provocative and androgynous. He was one of the first to truly add diversity to the runway. He even placed an ad saying "Nonconformist designer seeks unusual models - the conventional pretty need not apply."  Gaultier is a gifted artist and he is extremely skilled technically.

Gaultier's work includes designing the wardrobe for Madonna's Blond Ambition Tour and her Confessions Tour.  He also designed costumes for Kylie Minogue and Marilyn Manson.He was the costume designer for the movie "The Fifth Element".

Fashion's "enfant terrible" describes his work: "All my design comes from taking something that already exists and working on changing it in some way. Look underneath the way I have twisted it to make it 'Gaultier' and things are fairly conservative..." Conservative is not a word that most would use to describe his work but if you look at the lines and the techniques he uses to bring his designs to life you can see the conservatism.

I don't think I could personally wear his designs but I love them none the less. You have to admire his creative genius and his dedication to his skill and his work.

Gaultier's menswear was also represented in the exhibit unfortunately those photographs did not come out as I had hoped. 

If the exhibit comes anywhere near you, I highly suggest you check it out.

Soon to Come

Hi All
Sorry I've been MIA for a bit. I was in San Francisco for a week. I was hoping to get some great street style photos, but I guess I was hanging out in the wrong parts of town. All I saw were tourists in I Love SF sweatshirts and fanny packs. But there was a fashion high point of my trip. The Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit was at the de Young Museum. It was an amazing exhibit. If you're in San Francisco or if you're lucky enough for the exhibit, The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, to come to you, definitely check it out. I will be posting pictures from the exhibit soon!

Learn more about the exhibit here: http://deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/exhibitions/fashion-world-jean-paul-gaultier-sidewalk-catwalk

Paris, Je t'aime

I was supposed to write this post yesterday on Bastille Day, alas life got in the way. Please forgive me.

I love Paris. I love it's food (real butter in everything!). I love its architecture. I love the history. I love the Parisian attitude. And I love the fashion. Its the fashion capital of the world, and while many other cities are in competition for the same title from London to Tokyo, Paris, in my opinion will always wear the crown.

Parisians have a certain, je ne sais quoi. They are very laissez faire. And that's why their style is so effortless. They are chic without trying. Their casual is always put together. When I was last in Paris, I don't think i ever saw a girl wearing a pair of jeans.Men rarely wore a t-shirt unless it was under a blazer or with a scarf.

For many of us in the US our go to weekend, casual outfit is a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. In Paris, they put a little more effort, seemingly without even trying. I am in awe of their style, their ease of life. A simple shrug of their shoulders seems to do away with all of life's problems.

One of my favorite fashion blogs Refinery29 had a great street style slide show this weekend. I thought I would share. The below pic is one of my favorites from the site.

Check out some of the amazing Paris street style by clicking over to Refinery29.
http://www.refinery29.com/paris-street-style


Who do you think should take the title of Fashion Capital of the World?

Ralph Lauren's Olympics

So Ralph Lauren unveiled his 2012 Olympics' Collection today. This is what our young men and women representing the United States of America will be sporting during the opening ceremonies and throughout the games.

I think it makes sense that Ralph Lauren would be the one to design the outfits for the athletes. His most iconic styles are based around the sport of Polo.

I think the collection is well styled, professional, some decently cute pieces, but all in all uninspired and predictable.

Source: LA Times

I would consider buying this fleece jacket.

Source: Macys.com





What do you think of the Olympic Collection?

You can check out the full collection at ralphlauren.com.

Not Your Urkel's Suspenders

I just want to say that I love a man in suspenders (though the chic and fashionable now seem to prefer the term braces).

I am so pumped that, thanks to the hipster set and some non hipster fashion forward men, they are making a comeback. And I don't mean the rainbow Urkel-esque suspenders sported by Jaleel White.

 I mean some straight up sexy, dapper as all get out, these aren't for keeping my pants up braces.

Since I like to educate as well as express my opinions I will let you all know there is a difference between braces and suspenders. Pretty much the term is now used interchangeably, braces for the Non-US English speakers out there, and suspenders for us American English speakers.But the difference is supenders usually clip onto the pants and tend to be wider and braces button onto the slacks and are a little thinner.

But that's enough book learning for now. On to pics of some men in smart braces.




Source: A-men Suspenders




Source: Steve & Co.



Source: Urban Aesthetics

Today's braces should be done with ease. They should be fun. Stay away from themes and most prints. Stripes are great. Polka dots are not a favorite of mine but I'm sure someone could pull them off. Possibly.

Braces add a little structure and a little coolness to casual and more dressed up outfits. And in my opinion they are damn sexy. So come on guys, try them out (just not with highwaters and knee socks, k?).

Thanks to a very dapper friend of mine, The Fanstatic Mr. Fox, for inspiring this blog post! Can't wait for him to start sporting his braces in the office.

Don't Get Bored With Basics

I love jeans and a t-shirt as much as the next girl. What isn't there to love? Its quick and comfortable. Everyone has a pair of jeans that they feel great in. But let's admit it, sometimes it just feels as if you didn't try. No one wants that. So here are some tips to polish the jeans and t-shirt look.

1. Pair a fitted crew neck T-shirt with a glam necklace. (I like this necklace from J.Crew with your hair up in a messy bun or unpolished pony tail)

Jcrew.com

2.. Have  a V-Neck Shirt? Try something a little longer and add some color.



Jcrew.com



3. Roll up your jeans to an ankle length and throw on a pair of killer heels. Again make sure to add some color or your basic look is going to stay basic. If you don't like heels then you can wear a pair of dressy flats. But honestly every woman should have and love a pair of killer heels.

Both pairs from aldoshoes.com

4. When it comes to wearing basics I love a great pair of chandelier earrings (do not pair with the statement necklaces from above, one statement piece of jewelry is perfect). Wear your hair casual and down with these.

poshposh.com

5. Finally, for a more polished look, tuck in the  t-shirt and wear a cute thin belt that either matches or contrasts with your shoes.

Hint: These ideas work great with not only t-shirts but with the currently on trend over sized button down look. Instead of tucking the button down in completely leave part of it untucked.

Enjoy your not so basic basics!

Portfolio 1

Early this spring I had the pleasure of working with photographer/artist Stephanie Graves on my first portfolio. The outfits are for Fall/Winter. Check out the work below.



Dress: Sugarlips from Macy's. Necklace: Blush Boutique Nashville. Shoes: Guess



Skirt and Top: Ruche Shoes:INC at Macys

Button Down: Anthropologie Sweater: Anthropologie Jeans: American Eagle Boots: Blowfish

Sweater: Anthropologie Tank:Forever 21 Jeans:American Eagle Boots:DSW

Skirt: Ruche T-Shirt: Target Shoes:Rocket Dog

Check out more of Stephanie's work at http://stephaniegravesstudio.com/index.html

I bought a romper!

When I think of rompers I think of little girls in a one piece torture device hopping up and down because they can't get get out of their once piece outfit when they have to pee really bad.

Not the greatest image.

But for the past couple of years the romper has been popular in the closets of young women. After hitting its peak popularity point in the 1950s, 2006 brought a resurgence and it seems to be sticking around.. For those of you who don't know, a romper is a combination short and shirt outfit. In the past I have been, not necessarily against rompers, I just didn't think they were for me. They were either too short or too bohemian. When I did see cute ones, I'd say oh that's cute, but not for me.

That was until I perused the sale rack at Free People in Green Hills Mall. I found a red embroidered romper. Again I was like that's cute, but I bet it'll look terrible on me. I tried it on anyways. If there is one piece of advice I can give every person out there, its to try things on. I put it on and I LOVED it. And thus ended my aversion to rompers. Below is a picture of the romper I bought plus a few others that I like.

Source: Freepeople.com

Source:Stylehive.com

Source: Nordstroms.com

Source: Freepeople.com

Moral of the blog is: Try something on that you never would have thought of trying on. You may love it!

What do you think of rompers?

CMA Take Over

Do you remember when CMA Fest used to be called Fan Fare? Then you're a Nashvillian.
And you know that there is a love hate relationship with the tourists that descend upon our fare city each summer. We love the tourist revenue it creates but we hate the swarms of people swathed in rhinestones and denim with big hair and cowboy hats. Its the image of Nashville that every outsider has in their head. But it couldn't be further from the truth. We can be pretty fashionable when we want to be. But the outfit du jour (or jours) of the CMA fest was the DREADED blue jean shorts and cowboy boot combination.

http://www.caller.com/photos/2009/nov/25/67787/ (image source)

I'll admit that some people will consider this look stylish and fashionable. I mean just take a look at celebrities like Mily Cyrus and Rachel Bilson. They seem to love this look. But honestly it makes no sense. Why in the heat of summer would you want your feet and calves sweating ( I don't care how expensive the leather is, you will sweat)? And this is seen everywhere during CMA fest along with its kissing cousin the Sundress and cowboy boots.

Word of advice: If you are coming to Nashville for CMA fest, please leave the above mentioned outfit at home. If you must wear super short denim shorts opt for a pair of cute oxfords or sandals and stay away from the Cowboy boots. Native Nashvillians and your dry feet will thank you.

Happy Mother's Day

     Our first encounter with fashion typically comes from our parents. For daughters, I feel we are mostly influenced by our mothers. My mother and I have grown to appreciate each other's styles after many years of fighting. My mother always wanted me to be the girly girl. We didn't have much money growing up so I wore lots of hand me downs (I was the only girl and had two older brothers mind you). This was mostly around the house. But when we went out I was in pastels with lots of ruffles, giant bows on my head, and I seem to remember small tinkling bells at some point. I remember extremely slick bottomed slippery patent leather shoes (Thank goodness little ones are close to the ground). I had ponies on sweaters and way too many pigtails. Once I was old enough to realize what was being done to me I hated it. When I was allowed to pick out my own clothes, I went the complete opposite direction. I wore black and blue hues with no bows or bells in sight. I rarely wore skirts of dresses. I think I hurt my mom. I think she saw it as a way of saying I hated her sense of style. But it wasn't that, I just needed to discover my own style. Black and blue androgynous clothing was not it.
     I didn't realize it at the time, but my mom was the foundation of me forming my own sense of style. She taught me not to be afraid to express myself. She taught me what I should splurge on and what I shouldn't. She taught me not to be afraid to splurge but not to be wreckless. She taught me that you can never have too many shoes. She taught me that designer labels are not important and clothes don't define who you are. My mom taught me that confidence and courage comes from within but that first impressions are what matter most. Clothes may not define you and may not give you confidence and courage but they sure help others see those characteristics in you.
    Today my mom does not focus much on fashion (for herself anyways. She still loves to shop for and with me). She has gotten older and has faced many illnesses. She now wants more to be comfortable and hide what she considers to be her imperfections (she recently had a single mastectomy). But her sense of style is still there and much of it is reflected through me, her daughter. While we still argue about our own unique styles. There will always be that influence. She has shaped me as a women and set the foundation for my own Aura of Style. Happy Mother's Day to all the style shapers out there!

Denim Dilema

So I admit it. I've gained a few pounds. It happens as you get older and spend the majority of your time sitting at a computer for work. I work out pretty consistently and I love being active but my metabolism isn't what it used to be. So I finally decided I can't stuff myself into my jeans anymore (or the hole that has developed decided this for me). I normally buy American Eagle Jeans (even though I feel I am too old to be buying anything from there). They are affordable (40ish dollars) and they fit me (the MOST important thing when shopping is fit). Most jeans I try on fit my butt but never my waist. American Eagle jeans fit me perfectly. Unfortunately, my latest shoppping experience has left me without any jeans. Their styles are now leaning towards highschool girls who want holes in their jeans and distressed designs. Not such a fan. I just want my dark indigo skinny jeans without whiskers (makes your hips look wider), without intricate designs on the pocket (makes your butt look wider) and without sandblasting distressing techniques (terrible for factory workers). So do I spend over $100 for jeans that fit me well? What are some affordable jeans that you all think fit well?

On a side note, Target no longer uses sandblasting for their jeans and will seek alternative methods for distressing their jeans.
http://abullseyeview.com/target-bans-sandblasting/

America's Next Awkward Model

So last weekend was my second photoshoot for my portfolio. My first photoshoot was awkward at best. To look in a camera in uncomfortable positions is hard work. Should I smile? Smize (to take a term from Tyra Banks)? What do I do with my hands? How long do I have to squat like this? Its extremely uncomfortable and if you are self concious at all it just plays at all of your nueroses. But that was the first shoot. The second shoot was much more comforatble. Thanks to the photographer who gave me good direction and great tips I made it through unscathed and kind of actually wanting to do it again. I got to see a few of the shots from the first shoot and I look forward to sharing them with you. I am very excited about these first steps. My first outfits were just the outfits that I love to wear and that I feel beautiful in. Those are the outfits that I want to find for my clients. Trends and fads are not as important as what you love.

Thanks Stephanie Graves for the fabulous shots and your amazing creativity and work!