Style differences

Because you didn’t know this I will tell you that I’ve come back from Europe a few days ago. And wow what a difference. But this post will talk about the style differences that exist between Europe and the U.S. Now what I really want to be specific about is how girls in Europe dress better and proper than the girls here. When I say proper I don’t mean all preppy daddy’s little girl. What I mean is that they don’t show excess skin, crazy hair, unnecessary makeup or what I’m basically describing, Rihanna.

They dress nicely, yet attractively. It looks as though they don’t see the need to over do themselves and cut off fabric as if Europe was still salvaging it like they did in the second world war. It is something that girls here can learn.

It may sound insulting, but it is true and agreeable once you see it for yourself.

Now I’m not saying ALL the girls there were as I described. I mean, I can’t speak about all of them, but the ones I saw did fall into what I am  mentioning. The only ones I saw that stood out were the tourists. Thankfully I packed clothes that didn’t really make me stand out that much. Some people even asked me directions to places which was akward <_<. But, anyways. My main point is that in a continent that the whole world says is thee fashionistas paradise the people there do dress well, without looking like they’re in some sort of Bohemian costume, or a shadow.

I won’t even go into deep detail of American fashion that girls display, now don’t get me wrong some few get it right, but many others… you should think before you apply paint on your face or idk. Sometimes just wearing jeans, regular t-shirt and a sweater or cardigan can look and feel better than wearing feathers (or the whole bird) on your head and looking like a chameleon.

Personal style.

So this is one subject that every person has to respond for themselves. The funny things is that there is never a definite answer for it.  I mean, if someone asked me what my personal style is, I would have no idea where to start. I guess I can say maybe, “Oh, I don’t know, maybe like um,, well,,, relaxed, southern Cali type thing, sort of washed down preppy style, definitely not sleek or chic, I guess just what I feel for the day, (now here comes the important part)  I GUESS JUST WHAT I FEEL LIKE FOR THE DAY.” Cosi, as you can see, it is really hard. If anything I’m pretty sure that’s how I’ve responded to the question before.

So usually I just ask the person what do they think about my style. Usually everyone has their own way of interpreting things. In your case I’m not sure. Maybe you have that one defined style that may be tweaked a little, but everyone still knows what it is. For example, let’s say a man like to dress dapper(ly?), you would see him walking around trimly dressed nice suit and everything. So you can say, “that persons’ style is neat, well put, or even preppy. Now let’s say they used new colors suits or ties, you would still say the same thing. Unless they dress like a clown, or, they are a clown.

If you want to try to define your style, maybe you can take pictures of yourself every time you try on a new outfit or put together something new. Or if that isn’t an option, look at yourself in the mirror and try to define that look using only 3 words. Why 3 words? Because in just those 3 words you can be specific with what you believe (or use as many as you want, but I believe in keeping it short and simple, that way you can get to the point of the matter.) Once, maybe a week has passed by and you’ve written down the words to describe our look or taken pictures of your outfits, see if they are cohesive and try to find a few words that can describe, your, personal style. “)

But, for us folk that just dress as wish to dress feeling stylish and comfortable, I wouldn’t hesitate trying to define the way you dress. Heck, we can barely describe ourselves, now we’re going to try to describe our clothes? I say if anyone asks you what your personal style is I would recommend to answer, “It’s personal.”

(Oh, in case you didn’t know what cosi means it just means, So…)

Spring Summer: Men

(Even though there is a few more things having to be done around here I managed to write up a blog, men this one’s for you)

As we all know Spring is on the way. The time when things begin to bloom again, not just flowers. For women it’s easier to say what to wear for theses seasons. Such a huge variety that can have a wide selection. I say that the same can’t be said for men. Women are always told, “COLOR COLOR COLOR.” Well, can’t the same be said for menswear?

Your probably wondering what I mean. If you did, my answer is, in Spring pinks and whites aren’t the only things out there. Sometimes it’s best to look deep into nature for inspiration and go beyond Grandmas rose garden. One can try focusing on the foliage of trees, the lush greens, or the bright skies with birds flying around guarding it.

One example could be Woolrich Woolen Mills 2012 Spring collection. Mark McNairy used colors like khakis mixed in with dark greens and charcoal colors. As well as some bright colors, but used with subtlety so it isn’t a dominating presence. It was a safari inspired collection. He used khakis mixed with dark greens and black that can remind us of hidden oasis’s within a desert, or the black charcoal burnt in a bonfire on a arm Summer night. Thinking this way of the “unusual” Spring colors can help you come up with these ideas.

Sometimes these colors of Spring can give us a more wide spectrum of things we can choose from. Duh… Why not mix beige khakis with a baby blue shirt for a breezy beach feel? Or a red shirt paired with olive green pants (or shots because I know some areas are too hot for pants) to have the feeling of the sun and grass?

As it has always been with Spring and Summer trends, colors do DOMINATE, but don’t forget that there are many more colors than what is usually advertised.

You might even find out that knowing more colors paired with your thoughts of Spring can help you come up with quick new outfits. Maybe even dress easier. Probably avoid looking like a walking popsicle with a whole mess of colors just thrown on. Always see those people on tumblr or Venice Beach lol.Thanks for reading!

Shoes shoes scarpe….

So today’s post is dedicated to the things that take all the dirt and sometimes poop and gum we step on, shoes. Everybody wears them, they are either made from denim, tree bark, canvas, rubber, leather and many more materials. But I ask because I have seen and heard many people think this way, should the shoe define your outfit or the clothes? Why do I ask this? Because many people always hesitate about the shoes they wear. Instead of seeing it as a must have to protect your feet they view it more as a statement like stilettos, the higher the heel the better, or men with their dessert boots, the bulkier the better or more worn in the better. (Actually I’m not so sure about the dessert boot part :P). But, the point is that we tend to focus so much more on shoes we forget everything else we wear. If anything, More time is put in choosing your shoes than a shirt, jeans, skirt, or jacket. But when you go out, do you really think your shoes will be so grand? I mean they step on dirt, mud, gum, poop, dust can get on top, water and many other factors.

Given that you have to take care of your shoes so they last for a long time and you can save money from having to buy so many shoes, I really don’t think that they should be the most important part of the outfit. (That is unless of course your literally centering all of your attention to your shoes.)

How do you define a person of style?

Is it by the names they wear on their back or legs? By a trend they follow? Or by being outlandish? Well, many people might say any of the three mentioned just now or come up with their own definition for it. But, I believe that the stylish people or best dressed are those that can look great with what they already have. Why? Well let’s first look at someone that believes that they have to constantly update their closet to be considered stylish.

If you are in a constant need to be updating your wardrobe, how can you know what your own sense of style is if you have to constantly be going out of your of way look for something new? Obviously though, there is absolutely nothing wrong with treating yourself to a few new things now and then. But, to go to the extent that in order to be well dressed you have to buy more and more can be a tad bit absurd. You never experiment with what you already have and you will have a tough time dressing yourself because you have so much clothes. And at least in my experience when that happens, you assemble an outfit that in the end your not comfortable with. But what about trying what one might consider the opposite? Experimenting with what you already have.

Sometimes we all (whether we care for fashion or not) think we need to update our wardrobe. But, sometimes we become careless to realize that sometimes we can create new outfits with what we already have. Sometimes we also find clothes we haven’t worn in a while. Is it in style? Who cares. Your dressing YOURSELF and no one else. And if you know that you can pair it with other items then you just saved yourself a trip to the mall. Example: Let’s it’s winter and you find a beautiful cashmere sweater. It fits great on you, it’s warm, comfortable. But, for some reason the people at GQ (men) or Vogue (women) say, “Colors, colors, colors, why dress all drab and down?…..”  But, you really like that sweater and you know how to pair it up with different items. Maybe you have a pair of corduroy pants, or some nice slacks of a few colors.  Are you really going to let someone else dictate how you should dress? Or are you going to let other’s know that you know how to dress and don’t need anyone else to tell you because your all right? Sometimes though when your in a rut it can be hard to dress yourself. So why not get some inspiration?

I don’t care who you are, but there are those days where you don’t know what to wear. Well in those cases you can look up for ideas. Maybe a color, or outfit can be your source of inspiration and translate that into whatever you own already. IF you can re-interpret some other piece to your own way of thinking then I would consider said person to be one of style. Why? Because said person knows how to dress other ways while not having to break the bank and be smart enough with what they already have. Or maybe you can just stick to one way of dressing and even then be presentable. Own your look.

Confidence I also believe (your free to disagree at any time) plays a giant role when it comes to dressing well. You can own a Proenza Schouler dress paired of with a Hermes (my laptop doesn’t have the accent mark sorry) and a nice pair of black Louboutins and still be uncomfortable. Others will notice that and will think, “That person doesn’t know how to dress.” Or, “she (he) looks so uncomfortable in that.” Now many people have said that you have to suffer for fashion. But, really? Your going to make yourself suffer trying to please others instead of dressing in ways you know are pleasing and comfortable?

So to end this once and for all. I believe the best dressed person is one that can work with what they have. Ciao tutti.

Grunge style for our ages:

The 90s grunge era was unique in it’s own. It tore completely apart from the glam and pasty colors of the 80s and took it’s ideas from the underground part of the 70s. Glam rock had gone to the new Seattle scene where grunge was introduced. Many people dawned dark colors and plaid. Women began to care less of their appearance to even cut off all of their hair. Teens wanted to identify themselves and let the adults of the time know it. Men cared less of how they looked with their loose shirts and raggedy pants. And clothes were the same for women, although many dressed also in tight and really high cut clothes. And there are many more things to say about this.  Why mention these things? It is making a comeback for this fall/ winter style. The spring/ summer trend of the hipster made it a great way to re-introduce the grunge style. But, obviously not a carbon copy. New cuts since then have been introduced to use and colors, shapes, and basically a new way to look at it.

Usually one posts pictures of brands or stores that might carry this particular inspired look. But, I believe that sometimes you can look for old clothes on your closet that are dark colors or loose fitting. Or usually the best solution is to go to a thrift, vintage store. Or maybe your older relatives can have stuff that can inspire the look.

If you want a look at how it can be interpreted for now check out the collection from Aluzarra F/W 11

http://josephaltuzarra.com/collections/?collection=47

My little collar shop.

In case you didn’t know I run my own little shop on Etsy where I sell collars. Basically they are just little or big collars that can be worn instead of a necklace. They are attractive little things and can add a lot to an outfit, or just let the collar itself stand out. Please check them out if your interested. 🙂 Everything you see here is hand made.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Claure

This collar was inspired by the navy of how they used dark collars with hints of white stripes. Here the tips are hand embroidered.

This is a simple collar that can add texture to a bland outfit. *Flower not inclded :P.* The button gives it a vintage feel to it and a dainty style as well.

This is a nautical inspired yet earthy type collar. Made from the same knit fabric as the one above the tips are sewn as well and the loops are hand crochet then looped to give it that effect. The giant button reminded me of a pearl found in the shell. The loops go all around the collar to the back.

 

 

 

 

Cowls for winter.

I live in LA where winter is basically spring but in the low 60s and in the night high 40s. But, to us Angelenos we still get cold and wait anxiously for summer. Until then we try our best to be chic or stylish in our winter clothes. Lately though, I haven’t seen many people wearing Cowls, neither men nor women. I have one and I wear it more than my scarves. (Might I tell you that I have more than 8 scarves last I checked) and maybe it can be time to use a cowl. Store’s such as H&M have carried some, but you can always check out vintage or thrift stores. The one shown here and from Barneys COOP, a Eugenia Kim Leopard Cowl ($245.00).For men here is a scarf from the same place and it’s from Theory- Continuous Scarf ($135.00). Although it isn’t a cowl it somewhat resembles it.  It is easy to pull off and saves the time of wrapping one that’s almost 6ft around your neck. The weather in many other parts of the country stay cold, but for us who go from cold- hot- to cold on one day it is something worth investing to look for. If ever out of your price range try knitting one. Mine is a knit (not from someone, but from H&M). or just stitch to small scarves together, you can think of it as a make it or break it moment. 😛

Another year gone by

So another year has gone by and a decade of recycling fashions from the past is hopefully over. As much as I somewhat enjoyed it it’s really time to set a style for a decade. Designers have had a whole ten years to come up with something to define the decade but looks as though they took that as a vacation. It sounds critical but when you think about it its true. Everywhere you would hear ”Oh I remember when we stated that in the 60s” or the elderly would mention they wore the same thing back then. It’s not awful, but I believe it’s now the time to get the gears rolling and see what the fashion capitals and new designers can dish out. Let’s hope we can say in a few decades to our children or the teens in that time, ”Oh I remember when we started that trend.”