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!