Bright Thinkers

For most people, going to school isn't the ideal choice for how to spend one's day. I know that a lot of youths - especially girls - feel pressured to look a certain way or dress a certain way during school hours, according to the standards set by those considered "cool." It can be hard to wear something different to school, like colored jeans or a really great pair of heels, and I know that often I go to school not feeling quite like myself. Of course, I try to dress true to my personality, but I know I'm not the only one who has that little voice that tells you not to wear something because it's "too weird" or "no one will like it." In reality, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of what you wear: you're the one who matters. But school would be a very different place if everyone was able to stick to that thought all the time. It's rare to find a person who isn't influenced by others' opinions.

Long story short, this is often why there is a lack of color in the wintertime at school. Most girls this time of year wear jeans (blue or black), boots (brown or black), and a sweater (black or white). This doesn't create a lot of variety, and to make things harder, it can be difficult to find apparel that is both comfortable and suitable for the climate.

I have an easy solution for us students, no matter how old you are: invest in a colorful bag for carrying around your books. An unusual tote or backpack can instantly reset your mood at the beginning of a new day; I've found that carrying a more cheerful looking bag makes me happier! (You may remember my post on the bag that I carry for school.) It's also an easy - and subtle - way to add color to your outfit in the gloomy wintertime. What more could you ask for? Here are some suggestions for backpacks and totes, as well as an example outfit.

ASOS

Multi Check Backpack, $64

Other options:

Nylon backpack, $18.18

Images from us.asos.com

LeSportsac

Basic backpack, $88

Other options:

Voyager backpack in Lush (top) and Presto, $108

Images from lesportsac.com

Vera Bradley

Happy Snails, $88

    

Tote in Rhythm and Blues (top) and Safari Sunset, $48

Images from verabradley.com

Other options:


















































Which of these bags is your favorite? Where is/was your school bag from? Let me know with a comment!

xoxo

Three Ways: Neon Tank Top

Neon is a tricky hue to master. Known as "highlighter shades," neons are the brightest of the bright, which is probably why they're so difficult to style. In this Three Ways post, I'll show you how to master neon in one of its basic forms: the tank top.

Christopher Kane neon jersey tank, $145

 Oasis coat, Pyramid Collection dress, Aymara socks, Madewell boots.

Why this outfit works: The neon orange works well with the color palette of the dress when layered underneath. A maroon military-style coat adds a cold-weather feel and thick knit socks and boots contrast the feminine dress while adding warmth.

Reiss blouse, J Brand velvet legging, Jeffrey Campbell booties, Noemi Klein studs, Amrita Singh bracelet.

Why this outfit works: Wear the tank top underneath a neutral blouse for a pop of color. The velvet leggings add an interesting texture contrast. Elegant gold earrings are feminine but subtle and a bracelet with navy stones pairs well with the leggings. Booties elevate the look to a new level of chicness.

JW Anderson leather jacket, blanknyc jeans, Forever 21 combat boots, Peter Lang necklace.

Why this outfit works: Orange and blue color block well, with a colorful necklace combining the shades. A tough leather jacket and combat boots add contrast.

Which of these outfits is your favorite? Let me know in the comment section! I'd also love to hear how you would wear this tank top.

xoxo

Color My Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving celebrates the things that we are thankful for in our lives, as well as the gift of coming together as a family or a group of friends.
Today I was thinking about what I would wear to my Thanksgiving celebration, and I'm sure many other fashion-inclined girls and boys are wondering the same thing. Here are three suggestions for appropriate outfits that also incorporate dashes of color:

Debenhams sweater dress, Topshop tights and boots, Lee Angel chain necklace, Cambridge Satchel Co. fluorescent pink satchel.

Why this outfit works: A neon pink bag complements the light pink stripes in the dress, so the color isn't from out of nowhere. Red tights and brown boots give an autumnal vibe to the ensemble, while jewelry is kept to a minimum for practical reasons. A gold chain necklace is simple but elegant.

BCBG striped top, Topshop jeans, ASOS brogues, Madewell pendant necklace, Monsoon clutch.

Why this outfit works: Green jeans add a spice of color to a neutral ensemble, kept exciting with fun oxford shoes and elegant with a sophisticated clutch and pendant necklace. This outfit is comfortable but chic, perfect for a day like Thanksgiving.

J Crew sweater, Topshop skirt, Zara bag and ankle boots, Bebe watch.

Why this outfit works: A pleated skirt matched with a striped sweater feels casual and unfussy, but put-together enough for a big occasion. The red bag adds an unexpected burst of color and a gold watch adds elegance. Ankle boots are practical for the climate but chic as well.

What are you going to wear for Thanksgiving? Let me know with a comment!

xoxo

Holst + Lee

Holst + Lee is a contemporary jewelry line founded by Natalie Holst and Rochelle Lee. The designers met while working in the New York nightlife scene and bonded over their creative inclinations, soon forming a strong friendship and an artistic partnership. Holst + Lee pieces are inspired by "a wide range of people, places, culture and materials." This variety of influences is evident in the pieces, but these ideas are blended together into one seamless final product.
These pieces of jewelry are unique, combining structure with the fun of texture and bright colors. The designs effortlessly combine sophistication and cheeriness, which makes them perfect for your cold weather wardrobe; they add color to any neutral ensemble and structure to winter's oversized knits.
The designs depicted below are highlights from Holst + Lee's current collection, as displayed on their website.

Images from holstandlee.com

Holst + Lee has been featured in a variety of notable sources, such as Vogue.com and WhoWhatWear.com. The pieces have also been worn on runway shows and in presentations, such as Mara Hoffman's Spring 2012 collection (shown below).

Images from ecouterre.com

Holst + Lee will soon be launching an online shop, but in the meantime pieces can be purchased via an online form. Designs are also available for wholesale.

Let me know what you think of this jewelry line! How would you style one of these Holst + Lee necklaces?

xoxo

Kongo for Hermès

Kongo is a graffiti artist who has traveled around the world to create his art. He co-founded the Festival International de Graffiti, in which artists worldwide are invited to tag the Bagnolet streets in the Parisian suburbs. 

In one of the most incredible and innovative collaborations this year, Kongo moves from concrete to silk to work with renowned fashion house Hermès on a collection of scarves. Following in the footsteps of such partnerships as Takashi Murakami with Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, today's brands known worldwide are pioneering a new appreciation for different mediums of artwork. Certainly graffiti artists seem to be having a growing influence; one example is the film Exit Through the Gift Shop, a visual portrayal that attempted to follow well-known street artist Banksy.

Certainly Kongo's work for Hermès is bound to set a new trend. The difference between the two art forms make it a surprising collaboration, but one that works well. Hermès has a long history as a luxury brand, catering to posh clientele. On the other hand, street artists don't generally come from wealthy families, and graffiti often covers abandoned or impoverished areas. (Of course, there are exceptions.) This difference in backgrounds results in an amazing - although surprising - set of products. The resulting scarves are enlivened by the contrast between the toughness of graffiti and the light femininity of a silk scarf. The prints may be hard to decode - after a long store, it was evident that the Hermès name was written four times in bold graffiti font - but they are unique and beautiful to look at. I can't remember ever seeing an accessory like this.

For your holiday season, consider a Kongo for Hermès scarf. Not only will you be adding a healthy dose of color to your life, which I strongly encourage, but your support for such a collaboration will only encourage more. I believe in the important of supporting artists such as Kongo, who work on different mediums than those considered the norm, because they are the future of art.

Images from usa.hermes.com

These scarves can be found on the Hermès website.

xoxo

ASOS Marketplace

 ASOS Marketplace is a fairly new shopping destination that can be found on the regular ASOS site. The difference is that while ASOS sells contemporary labels, ASOS Marketplace is a mecca for indie and emerging designers in addition to a fabulous assortment of vintage garments and accessories. Items are sorted into "boutiques" that are owned by users who are just everyday people - anyone can create their own store in the Marketplace. Many users model their own wares, giving the site a very personal vibe, like you're buying from a little store that's a town's best-kept secret or even a designer himself/herself. Online shopping has removed this touch that is so satisfying when you buy a product, but ASOS Marketplace is striving to hold on to that feeling, combined with the ease of purchasing something online.
ASOS is a full-on community, with the option to follow your favorite designers and boutiques, a blog for each boutique, and an ASOS Marketplace blog that features new boutiques and rising trends in the Marketplace. Plus, what could be better than supporting designers that are just starting out and collectors selling their own wares?

Below, I have featured my favorite colorful products sold on ASOS Marketplace, along with tips for how to style each piece.

All images from marketplace.asos.com

$115.44, available here.

This dress is so beautifully feminine, so I would contrast that vibe by wearing it with combat boots, ripped tights, and a mid-length motorcycle jacket.

$56.16, available here.

I would give this coral dress a quirky, vintage feel with patterned tights, oxfords, and a thick knit cardigan in a neutral color or even a solid hue for some color blocking.

$192.50, available here.

Pair this vintage dress with sleek black tights and black heeled booties for a lengthening, modern effect. Layer a solid-colored cardigan or blazer on top.

$53.90, available here.

Wear this cardigan with shorts and boots to play with proportion. Add a printed scarf or layered necklaces to top off your outfit. 

The boutiques on ASOS Marketplace are always uploading new products and collections, so make sure to keep updated on your favorite sellers!

You can find the marketplace here.

Have you ever been on ASOS Marketplace? What do you think? Would you like to see more posts like this? Let me know with a comment!

xoxo

Three Ways: Colorful Statement Necklace

The name says it all: statement necklaces sure do make a statement. That's why many women shy away from them. It's difficult to wear something so bold in public, and even more so when the aforementioned item is extremely colorful. Another thing to bear in mind is that these accessories are quite costly; the majority are handmade, and a handful of them are even one-of-a-kind. However, statement necklaces are unusual and extremely beautiful; if you can afford one, it can be worth the investment no matter how often you wear it.
I've written this post to show you how to incorporate a colorful statement necklace into your outfits. I hope these suggestions are helpful to those who already own similar pieces or inspiring to those who yearn for them. The example I'm using is pretty over-the-top, but you can find subtler and less expensive necklaces at the end of the post.

Assad Mounser Wild Horses Mega Collar

Images from assadmounser.com

Rag & Bone blazer, Balmain blouse, Citizens of Humanity jeans, Frye boots.

Why this outfit works: The purple blouse is a good backdrop for the statement necklace, whose color palette contains purple in it. Jeans add a casual quality to a dressy top-half and combat boots contrast the feminine blouse and necklace.

Jil Sander belted dress, Brian Atwood platform pumps.

Why this outfit works: This formal ensemble keeps it simple. A goldenrod yellow perfectly complements the gold in the necklace. Choose pumps that match your skin tone for a lengthening effect; it also avoids taking the attention away from the necklace, which is the highlight of the outfit.

Rag & Bone shirt, Theory shorts, H&M oxfords.

Why this outfit works: A combination of neutral pieces allows a statement necklace to steal the show and doesn't cause the issue of color clashing. The top and shorts combine casual and classy for an effortless look, while oxfords add boyish appeal. Add black tights for extra warmth or maroon tights if you're feeling edgy.

Do you like the look of colorful statement necklaces but don't want to splurge on one? I've got some solutions for you, so you too can take advantage of my outfit suggestions.

Kate Spade Cascade Bib Necklace, $148

(Available at piperlime.gap.com)

Modcloth Statement of the Art Necklace, $50

(Available at modcloth.com)

Marni Paillette-Embellished Collar-Style Necklace, $165

(Available at theoutnet.com)

Kenneth Jay Lane Red Spike Necklace, $80

(Available at charmandchain.com; also in turquoise)

Let me know what you think of the three outfits I styled and my colorful statement necklace suggestions. Which ones are your favorites? Would you wear a necklace like the Assad Mounser one I used for my Three Ways?

xoxo