Trending — Modern Day Marie

March 30, 2015

Raise your hand if you're a true 1790s kid
There are few historical figures that have continually captivated me quite like Marie Antoinette. My first true introduction to the French queen was Sophia Coppola's fabulous film Marie Antoinette, which, granted, was not the most historically accurate, but did a wonderful job of capturing the pastel aesthetic of life as an absolutist monarch living the life in Versailles. 

It was in middle school history that I learned the true fate of Marie Antoinette, and it really pissed me off to learn that such a chic individual was the target of such loathing and unified hatred. Homegirl was just trying to keep up with the other royals at court and wear the latest in mile-high hair fashions—heck, she was even trying to give everyone in France cake or Laduree macarons or something—and they return the favor by sending her straight up to the guillotine. #Rude. The way it was explained in my history class, Marie Antoinette was a cartoonish villain, doomed for her frivolous ways and the figurehead of a pretty intense smear campaign. 

With Coppola's vision being a bit too hazy and my history books too simplified and one-sided, I found myself dissatisfied with my knowledge of the life of Marie Antoinette. So I turned to outside reading, first with Caroline Weber's fabulous book Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution, and later Atonia Fraser's Marie Antoinette: The Journey, upon which the Coppola film is based. Antoinette is the one historical figure who I will read whole books about and the first to make me realize how complicated issues of the past are. It's easy to dismiss her as a ditzy princess who focused too much on fashion and not enough on politics, but that's ignoring the fact that her husband was just not suited to be a ruler. More than anything, Antoinette fell victim to an outdated form of government simply by being born into it, and there was nothing she could do to keep the tides of history from changing. 

Regardless of what you believe her political legacy is, there is no denying that Marie Antoinette was and remains one of the most influential fashion figures of all time. No one could rock panniers and powdered wigs quite the way that she did, and her influence in all things fashion echoed throughout France and Europe. 

Over two-hundred years later, designers are still constantly inspired by Antoinette. From the pastel-colored hues that Coppola's film made integral to the image of Antoinette to gravity-defying skirts and headwear, there is no denying the staying power of Marie Antoinette's fashion choices. Every other season it feels like brands like Chanel and Dior are drawing from the fashions at Versailles for their collections (in 2013, Karl Lagerfeld even staged a show in the gardens of Versailles).

Marie Antoinette on the Runways:
MSGM | Céline | Chanel | Christian Dior | Prada
If Marie Antoinette were alive and well today in 2015, what would she be wearing? My guess: decadent brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino mixed with innovative creations from Junya Watanabe and other avant-garde designers that aren't afraid to push the boundaries of fashion. In other words, Marie Antoinette would be a full-on fashion risk-taker. She'd be front row at all the couture shows wearing custom creations, and she would be on the front page of every street style blog stealing the spotlight with her fun headpieces and crazy outfits that would put the likes of Anna Dello Russo to shame. 

Like the sound of that? Here's how to get the look of a Modern-day Marie Antoinette for yourself! Through on your most inventive outfit, take a 'gram of you dining on macarons at Bottega Louie (in a Coppola-approved dreamy filter, no less), and live the good life! Just watch out for any unruly citizens looking to take out well-dressed rulers.

Get the Look:
Junya Watanabe top | Miu Miu skirt | Valentino earrings | Dolce & Gabbana iPhone case
La Perla bra | Fendi purse | Sibling headpiece | Nicolas Kirkwood shoes 

Perfect Spring Outfits and Trendy Health Foods

March 27, 2015

Finally hopping on a SoCal food trend and trying an acai bowl #sororitygirllife
When the weather is this nice you can almost pretend that you're just on another week of Spring Break (but, you know, with the occasional class)! Back from my week in Mexico and—hopefully—looking a bit more tan, definitely feeling more relaxed, and ready to finish out the last six weeks of school.

I'm very into the idea of mixing formal and casual styles right now: a glittery work skirt with a T-shirt and sneakers, or a party-perfect dress with loafers and a jean jacket. I'm trying to find ways to reinvent items I already have in my closet and find new ways to mix and match styles.

The Full Outfit:


SHOP the Look:

Madewell sunglasses, T-shirt, and jean jacket | J. Crew skirt | Converse sneakers
Make Up For Ever lipstick | Rebecca Minkoff purse
On the way to class my friend Annie and I decided to check out the Amazebowls food truck, an acai bowl food truck that is always stationed on campus but that I've never actually stopped at until now! I'm usually one to roll my eyes at trendy LA health foods (ugh, juice cleanses) but I must admit that the acai bowl was a pleasant surprise! It's basically a smoothie with oats and fruit and it is so refreshing on a warm spring day. It's also a really filling meal and much healthier than most options around campus (Chipotle, you will be the death of me!). 

I've already decided that I'm going to learn how to make acai bowls so that I can have them for lunch at my to-be-determined summer internship. Here are some recipes I found on Pinterest (my #1 addiction, you know) so you can DIY some acai too! 

Get this delicious acai bowl recipe from Rosalie Ruardy
What new outfits are you trying out this spring? Have YOU tried an acai bowl yet? 

3 Unexpected Festival Outfits

March 25, 2015

Harley Viera Newton does it right in a gingham matching set at last year's Coachella (source)
Music festival season is once again upon us, and with it a slew of girls making the pilgrimage to Urban Outfitters and Free People in search of the perfect bohemian flower child wardrobe. Festival fashion has become a bit of a cliché over the years—a mix of wannabe Woodstock attendee and try-hard eclectic music lover. Take a shot for every flower crown or pair of Birkenstocks you see and you might die of alcohol poisoning before the first headliner even steps on the main stage. WhoWhatWear's Jessica Schiffer wrote a great little article about her thoughts on festival fashions and the done-to-death nature of Coachella chic that I felt really got at the root of what frustrated me about festivals in the first place. At first, the flower crowns and the crop tops were sparse and stood out, but now they have taken over, leaving no room for originality.

So how does one make festival attire interesting once again? After all, festivals like SXSW, Coachella, and Lollapalooza are where the everyday concert-goer has a chance of being snapped by a major street style blog or fashion website, so the pressure certainly is on to look one's best. Instead of reaching for a Navajo-inspired bikini top or a pair of denim cut-offs, look to simpler designs in clean, raw fabrics and interesting shapes. No one said that in order to look fashionable at a music festival one had to look like a caricature. 

Below are some sure-fire outfit formulas that will get you noticed at festivals while offering something brand new (aka not overdone) to the world of festival fashion.

Matching Set + Sneakers + Backpack
Dior sunglasses | T by Alexander Wang top and skirt | Topshop backpack | Superga sneakers
Take a style cue from Taylor Swift and wear a matching set—it will make you look instantly put-together while still allowing you to show off some skin and stay cool during the hot afternoons. A white eyelet crop top & shorts combo is the dream, but any matching set will do. Sneakers dress down the look, and a sculptural backpack keep the outfit modern and playful at the same time (plus, backpacks are so functional!).

Boxy Top + Culottes + Flatforms
Milly top | Stella McCartney culottes | Marni necklace | Balenciaga belt bag | Marni flatforms
This look is all about comfort and ease. A loose top and culottes will give you plenty of room to breathe; all the better to dance around in! Flatforms are one step above the typical flat sandal and will keep your feet from aching.

Shift Dress + Gladiator Sandals + Crossbody Bag
Miu Miu dress | Valentino scarf | Chloe purse | Topshop sandals
When in need of an easy outfit, a good dress is all you need. Calf-high gladiator sandals add a touch of trendiness, and a crossbody is fashionable functionality at its finest.

What NOT to Wear

Flower crowns are, for some reason, the festival headpiece staple, but you are more original than that! There are plenty of fun headpieces and hair accessories that don't involve cheap-looking fake flowers.

Bandeaus, swimsuit tops, etc. They usually are paired with a pair of too-short denim shorts and scream, "It's too hot outside to be fashionable" which is a statement you should NEVER utter! You can always be chic, even when the sun is beating down and those tents are stuffy and gross. I know you have more creativity than that.

And seriously, NO NATIVE HEADDRESSES or any other form of Native American dress. That is cultural appropriation and it is offensive and silly, so just don't do it. Headdresses are sacred ceremonial items, and they were not made so you could look "unique" while jamming out to some underground rock band and smoking pot.

Still in need of inspiration? Check out my new "Festival Ready" Pinterest board for shoppable items that are perfect for your next music festival!

Trending — Flare Jeans

March 23, 2015

Photo via Madewell
With the seventies back in full style swing, it was only a matter of time before the flare jean made its triumphant return. After years of the skinny jean reigning supreme, denim designers and the fashion Powers That Be have decided they have grown tired of wriggling their way into skin-tight denim blend jeans and are ready for a looser, more relaxed fit. The "boyfriend" jean has already taken the world by storm, with it's straight leg and loose fit, but now it's time for the flare to step into the spotlight.

Flare jeans are at their best when they are high-waisted and perfectly fitted (flares should be fitted at the thigh and then fan out around the knee, or a little down past the knee for a subtler flare) and they do wonders to elongate legs. While lighter washes seem to be the go-to amongst denim designers—a light blue flare is most in-tune with the spirit of the 70s) I do love the darker-wash flares, like Pernille Teisbaek's midnight blue pair, for a modern spin.

How does one style a wide-leg jean? Keep it simple with classic solids—T-shirts, sweaters, turtlenecks, blazers—and pair with vintage accessories. Think: silk scarves, big buckle belts, and felt hats. In terms of shoes, heels make for the best choice when it comes to flares, as they make sure your jeans are being shown off to the max. A heeled Chelsea boot or modern mule would look great with a streamlined flared denim look. If you must wear flats, I would opt for a trendy flatform pair to give added height. With a flared hem, adding height really is important; you don't want those beautiful jeans dragging around on the ground! 

Street Style Inspiration
Via Collage Vintage | Look De Pernille | Her New Tribe | Style Du Monde | Frankie Hearts Fashion

SHOP Flared Jeans:
SHOP Perfect Pairings:

The Fashion Brigade

March 18, 2015

Gucci | Luisa Beccaria | Paul & Joe | Fay
With fashion week/month finally at a close, it is now time to assess the trends that we will be obsessing over for roughly the next year. Which styles will Zara be the quickest to adapt for its own price point? What looks will magazines feature in their editorials? What will the people be wearing come fall, now that we know what to look forward to?

One guess: the beret. Fitting in with the season's trends of both military utilitarianism (see: Marc by Marc Jacobs) and vintage beatnik counterculture (see: Gucci), the beret is a simple but effective accessory that has the power to add a whole lot of personality to a look.

Do not be confused: this is not a hat that one dons with a boatneck shirt and black trousers in hopes of looking effortless and French (no, you will only look like a mime with that look). I would recommend wearing a beret with a little more creativity than that. An army green coat mixed with a full skirt could be in need of a beret in order to spice things up, or a glamorous 40s-style dress. There's a lot of opportunities to wear the beret, just be creative and go for it! 

SHOP BERETS!

Rising Style Star — Lily James

March 16, 2015


Talk about a major Cinderella moment! Lily James, one of the stars of your mom's favorite show Downton Abbey, has been dazzling everyone during her promotional tour for Disney's Cinderella. As the titular lead who happens to be one of the most iconic Disney princesses, James had a lot of expectations to live up to both on and off screen, but I must say that she has succeeded! I haven't seen the movie yet, but I've heard it's delightful and I cannot wait to see the gorgeous costumes.

On the red carpet, James has been exuding the Disney princess vibe with every look, donning regal Elie Saab Couture gowns and Christian Dior ensembles. She's an expert at dressing to the occasion, looking like a true princess for large premieres while looking modern and trendy at talk show appearances and fashion week front rows.

And, in a moment when eyebrows are of the utmost beauty importance, Lily James has a gorgeous pair of strong and defined brows to rival miss Cara Delevingne (not an easy feat). 

All in all, Lily James is a true rising star, and I hope she has ample opportunities in the future to show off her red carpet game.

Wearing Camilla and Marc | Christian Dior | Marchesa Notte | Prada | Black Dress | Elie Saab Couture

The Return of the Monogram

March 13, 2015

image via Chantal Adair for Elle Magazine
What was once a symbol of the hopelessly preppy and traditionally southern has reclaimed itself as a trendy style accepted by minimalists and the downtown crowd—so the opposite of Lilly Pulitzer.

The cursive swirlydoo this is not. Though I love a sratty loop-de-loop monogram on tote bags and water bottles, the monogram of today's top fashion brands is sleek and simple; usually a sans serif font and either engraved or embroidered in a small, non-disruptive manner.

Madewell, Equipment, and others now have personalization services where you can get a minimal initial design emblazoned onto your favorite sweater, shirt, or bag. Perhaps the number one leader of the monogram revitalization movement? Burberry, who made waves with their monogrammed ponchos that everyone from Olivia Palermo to Cara Delevingne wore last fall.

Since the Burberry poncho, monograms seem to be back, and why wouldn't they be? In a world where normcore and minimalism still seems to reign supreme, personalization is challenging. How can you dress like the masses but still show off your individuality? A monogram is an easy and not-too-obvious way to add a personal touch to your outfit without sacrificing your affinity for simple clothes and minimal decoration.

How do you feel about the modern monogram?

Get the Look — Sarah Mikaela of Framboise Fashion

March 11, 2015

image via framboise fashion

One of my favorite bloggers, Sarah Mikaela of Framboise Fashion, has a penchant for outfits that are equal parts sophisticated and playful. She's modern and feminine, and combines high and low, edgy and classic, with perfect ease. There aren't many people who can make a sweatshirt look sophisticated and work-appropriate, but Mikaela does it so well that I want to replicate this look for myself! 

Here's how to get Mikaela's lovely look:

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Trending: Pleat Slit Skirts

March 9, 2015

Proenza Schouler | Sally LaPointe | Tommy Hilfiger | Suno | Wes Gordon | Christian Dior
Love a pleated skirt but feel too much like a private school cheerleader? Easy! Just add slits to instantly make your pleats look more mature. Pleat slits add movement and intrigue to any outfit, and it's a perfect style for showing off some leg while still wanting to maintain conservative.

Will you be wearing this skirt style soon?

Street Style Icon — Annina Mislin

March 6, 2015

image via Tommy Ton for style.com
When I interned at C Magazine last year I had the extreme privilege of working with fashion editor Annina Mislin. Every day I came in I would grow envious of Annina's minimalist-cool fashions and her simple approach to personal style, while also marveling at her ability to craft gorgeous fashion editorials. Basically, Annina is who I aspire to one day be (and dress as).

She's often featured on street style blogs like Tommy Ton and All The Pretty Birds, and it's really fun to see someone you've worked for pop up when you are checking out the best street style looks from fashion week! 

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Annina's personal style is simple and streamlined, with a penchant for neutrals in exciting shapes and silhouettes over flashy prints and embellishments. She's an expert at mixing textures and proportions, and her outfits never look fussy or uncomfortable.

Love Annina's cool style as much as I do? Here's how to get the look:

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Dare to Bare with Risqué Lace

March 4, 2015

Rodarte | Zimmermann | Marc Jacobs | Altuzarra | Rodarte
There was once a time when sweet white lace was reserved for a prim and proper sort of girl (or for wedding dresses). When I hear white lace I think of an afternoon tea with my grandmother or Queen Victoria. There is something incredibly Victoriana and rather old-fashioned about a fabric that resembles a doily...or so I thought. 

Then fashion week came around.

First it was Altuzarra, with several seventies-style lace blouses and dresses; sure, they were long-sleeved and high-necked, but there's no use in trying to be modest when one's top is as see-through as a newly polished window. Then Rodarte shocked and awed with white lace blouses and leggings that left little to the imagination. Doily-looking or not, there was no denying that Joseph Altuzarra, the Mulleavy sisters, and even Marc Jacobs were making the statement that white lace can be unabashedly sexy. 

Still, I don't know if I would walk around in such a top out in public, sans-bra or lining. On the other hand, it would be a great opportunity to show off a pretty bra. 

What say you? Will you be trying out sexy white lace, or should it be reserved for tea time?

Lindsey's March Wishlist

March 2, 2015

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Ah, March. The true beginning of spring and more importantly, the month of Spring Break. This year I will be heading south of the border on a Mexican Riviera cruise with some of my friends, and naturally that means a few shopping preparations must be made! 

The main thing I'm in search of: a new swimsuit. Living in Southern California you learn there's no such thing as having too many swimsuits, and the chic modern tribal prints of Mara Hoffman are a personal favorite of mine, lately. Perfect for tanning on the lido deck or when we dock in Cabo. 

Sunglasses are always a must, but especially when one is tanning from sun-up to sun-down.

Rompers are another warm-weather vacation necessity, since they can work as one-stop pool cover-ups, easy outfits for excursions and activities, or you can dress them up and wear them to a lovely dinner on the beach. Same can be said for a flouncy cami top.

Jean shorts are perfect for the pool and beyond, and since I have a few in the usual blue, perhaps a black pair would add some sophistication to the off-duty staple. Likewise, a pair of criss-cross slide sandals are just as easy to slip on and off as a pair of Rainbows, but perhaps a little more stylish. A backpack is an easy way to keep belongings together safely.

And a cute charm bracelet because why not?

Check out the sidebar for these and other items on my monthly wishlist.
What items are on your March wishlist?