Fashion Blog

A couple of seasonal trends I’ve noticed are obvious to most: denim cut-off shorts being one of them. Cut off shorts have been my uniform for the past several weeks, months even I feel. There are a few reasons for that, one of them being that I began a new job in which I was allowed the freedom to don homemade cut-offs, encouraged even! The other being that it’s summertime, and it’s hot. A product of the 90’s myself, I’ve always been a sucker for a good pair of denim cut-offs…who wasn’t back then? Really 90’s? Simply pair them with a pair of black combat boots (Dr. Martens…my obsession!) When early fall arrives, and it’s not too far off my friends, I dare you to rock your summertime cut-offs with some fall pieces. Outfit ideas: cut-offs with a tank, vintage tee, or plain v-neck, thin knit thigh-highs or “leg warmers” (whatever they are just make sure they are above the knee) tall boots with heels, flat boots are fine too but when your wearing them with shorts and tights, you want some height. So, you’ve got your casual knit tee, shorts, legwear, boots, and now top the outfit with an oversized long-sleeved button down shirt, or sweater. You can even go all out and wear a cute knit cap. Of course I’m not suggesting to wear this when the climate change includes snow, but cooler nights in September and October are perfect. And for those of you who are heading back to school in the next few weeks and days, this is a good outfit option for you to get creative with. Below are some street trends with the denim cut-offs, perhaps outfit ideas for end of summer?

I love the look of ragged cut-offs with delicate silk, or thin cotton blouses, something boyish and grungy paired with delicate femininity is one of my favorite combinations. You don’t have to go out and spend a fortune on cut-offs either. I made two pairs of my own from old skinny jeans I had and wasn’t really wearing anymore. In fact, I like them more because they were skinny. They fit tight up top with no saggy bottom to fret over.

A good and fun tip: go to your local thrift shop, Goodwill, or second hand store and find a pair of old Levi’s or denim label of your choice, make sure they fit properly and chop em’ up! The more you wash and dry them, the better, because what’s a pair of DIY cut-offs without all the fringy hangovers?

Image Source: elle.com

I haven’t bought shorts in a while.  Last summer I indulged and picked up a few pairs of high-waisted shorts, and I loved them.  They got their use all season long, but this time around, I haven’t bothered.  Instead, I lazily cut a few pairs of old skinny jeans I didn’t mind butchering and have instead been wearing the heck out of those.  I’m noticing baggier, cut offs are coming around back in style again for summer.  High-waisters will still be big, but it’ll be refreshing to get back to the basics.  Of course cutting old jeans never fails, and you can control the length of them as you wear them, either cutting shorter after a few wears or simply cuffing the bottoms.  This is my favorite look right now…combined with a super soft tee shirt or pretty flowy blouse, this is a no-fail, maximum comfort outfit for the warmer months.  It of course looks great with sandals, but I love wearing shorts with cowboy boots!  Not a big surprise. I searched around to find some great short styles for this summer, and this is what I found:

These Billie Distressed Cuffed Shorts by Genetic are probably my favorites.  They look so comfy!  The all over distressing and whiskering is another nice effect.  Wear these with super girly blouse or tee to balance rugged and delicate.

Billie Distressed Cuffed Shorts by Genetic: $178

Right now, shorts are 25% off at Gap.com…including these cute striped ones.

The Striped Button Tab Shorts are a linen/cotton blend so will probably wrinkle easy but look comfy and are stylish with stripes.  Originally $39.50, these are now on sale for $29.62.

I also like these Hudson Jeans ‘Amy’ Raw Hem Stretch Denim Shorts in the Dakota Wash.  The back pockets are the Hudson signature triangle shape, and the cotton denim has elastane in it, so these will wear really well and break in perfectly.

Hudson ‘Amy’ Raw Hem Stretch Denim Shorts: $165

Summer wouldn’t be complete without a pair of safari-inspired shorts like these Joie Denise Cargo Shorts ($158).

I would go full safari and wear these with a white button down shirt with rolled up sleeves, aviators and sandals.
And I couldn’t resist a pair of “boyfriend” shorts since this seems to be the look this season.  The wash on these are great and the heavy distressing gives a vintage look.

Hudson Distressed Boyfriend Shorts: $165

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s shorts.

Yes, it’s true, sandal season is upon us…but flip flops aren’t exactly what I have in mind.  Spring is a good time to begin shopping around for fancy footwear that reveals your feet without getting too beachy.  Wedges are cool for spring fashion, and you can definitely carry them into summer when it arrives, sporting them with shorts, skirts, and jeans. I personally love the look of wedges with shorts, flowy blouses and a little jacket when it cools off in the evenings.  I would also opt for this style over traditional three-inch heels since they are going to be more comfortable and not so hard on the balls of your feet.

The Miz Mooz ‘Gizmo’ Platforms ($129.95) are one of my personal picks this week. Not only do these wedges look comfortable, but they are huarache-inspired with their tan woven leather and wooden platform.

Being obsessed with vintage inspired pieces that particularly look like they could have come from the 1970’s, my eye was instantly drawn to these shoes.  I would wear these with some cropped, fitted jeans that are cut right above the ankle.  This is a unique trend I noticed while in San Francisco, but I always wondered…how do you find pants that length?  Well the answer was simple after I began taking my jeans to a tailor to be altered.  This is a fun style for the warmer seasons if you’ve ever just been too hot to wear long jeans and kind of wanted to go for a 1950’s chic look. Try it…you’ll like it! Now, back to my remaining picks…

For months now I have been neglecting and rejecting stylish handbags, and instead resorted to hauling around a Marc Jacobs canvas tote bag instead.  As far as purpose goes, canvas totes are great, but they aren’t always very cute when you’re gettin’ dolled up for a night out.  So, I finally emptied mine out and bought a new purse.  A real purse again!  My choice was a fairly inexpensive vintage leather bag, simple with good color.  If I would’ve had a little more dough to work with I would have splurged on the L.A.M.B. ‘Darjeeling’ Small Flap Shoulder Bag, $345, Nordstrom.com

This bag is so mod! I love it. The colors and hardware are also very nautical inspired making it great for the summer months.

And now, my final personal pick for today are these stunning Stephen Dweck Agate earrings, $395, Neimanmarcus.com

These are so beautiful! They would look fantastic with a casual long dress, but I personally like wearing fancy items like this with a worn in t-shirt and jeans with some little gold ballet flats. Combining a slightly rugged look with such a delicate accessory is a fashion risk worth taking.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s platform sandals.
Discounts on L.A.M.B. handbags and Stephen Dweck earrings.

So, I’ve always been a fan of Stella McCartney—she’s definitely mastered that effortless cool, which earned her the British Designer of the Year Award last year, and I love the way she’s always maintained that underground, slightly rock ‘n roll, hip girl look in each of her collections.

Stella celebrated her Resort 2009 collection this past June in a garden party sort of fashion, debuting in NYC’s Jefferson Market Garden in the West Village. The collection is yummy!

If your going to do the flower in your hair, always opt for fresh ones, pink carnations are not only cheap but a total retro throwback…love it!         

   Silence & Noise Ivory Silk Tux Tunic $68, urbanoutfitters.com

   Marc by Marc Jacobs Mini Pinstripe Shorts $93.90, saksfifthavenue.com

Adam single button wool blazer $186.99, bluefly.com

  BCBGirls ‘Cherie’ Bootie in Barley Water $84.90, Nordstrom.com

     Pink carnation: $1-2, Your local florist

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s tunics.
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What many students will come to realize is that shopping online can actually be a lot cheaper than heading to a local mall…that is if it is done right. This method also saves gas and time, if anyone is interested in doing school work.

This week, I’ve found a pair of dark brown shorts (Sharkskin Shorts) from CharlotteRusse.com that are originally $22.99 but on sale for $14.99 online. This offer is not available at the store. The cost of shipping is $5.99 plus tax.

So you may be thinking the total seems to duplicate the original price, right? Well, if you buy more from these online stores, you can usually get a lower or even free shipping rate.

Moving on. To finish off the Sharkskin Shorts, I checked out Metroparkusa.com. I usually hesitate to go into the store since they’re a bit pricey but I love the clothes. They’re edgy with a sort of hip hop feel.

But I actually found one of their more feminine tops to compliment the shorts. It’s a bronze beaded v-neck in black for $29.99. It’s loose and airy, perfect for those summer nights.

Pair these items with your favorite sandals or flats. The night is still young ladies!

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for women’s sandals.
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Getting dolled up is always exciting. I think it’s one of the best parts about being a woman.  From four-inch heels to sequin mini dresses to vintage clutches, outfit possibilities are endless.  Aside from aching feet in the morning, I ask: what’s not to love?

I do love glamorous fashion just as much as the next girl, but comfort has always been a priority. So, on one of those sweltering days of summer, (which looms ahead) I would opt for this chic look by Daryl K & Kerrigan.

It’s such an easy look to imitate, and it’s one you can pull off any day of the week, all summer long.

Tip: go a size or two bigger in the AmApp tee to achieve the baggy runway look.                 

American Apparel Unisex Tri-Blend Short Sleeve Deep V-Neck in Tri-Orchid - americanapparel.net: $18      

Saree Plaid Short: forever21.com - $17.80

Champion Linen Sparkle Keds: keds.com - $44.99

The Ivy watch in gold by Nixon: nixonnow.com - $350

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