Archive for April, 2013
Mad about Mad Men Fashion
Apr 26th
Mad Men is one of television’s most popular television shows, and with good reason. The storyline, setting and costumes combine to create a program that is a breath of fresh air among today’s overwhelming brainless television (though I can’t deny my love for Real Housewives of Beverly Hills). Add a flawless cast (Don Draper, I could stare at you for hours) and you have a pretty perfect show.
Clearly, I love all of it, but I’m particularly obsessed with the fashion. It’s difficult to accurately capture fashions from other periods, but Mad Men does it perfectly. I’ve never felt the need more to throw on a pair of cropped black pants, a brightly printed blouse and a round pair of sunglasses. While I’ll admit that some fashion trends should stay in the 1960s (example), Mad Men has brought new life to many classic, chic trends of that era, and those trends are definitely worth trying, even in 2013.
For the Prepster: Betty Draper
Betty Draper is the epitome of a 60’s housewife: her hair is perfectly coiffed and her outfits match from head to toe. While Betty may not be the most ideal character on the show, her style is covetable, especially for those who like to add a little prep to their daily ensembles. To get a Betty Draper look, pair a floral blouse with a full skirt and cute kitten heels. Don’t forget those precious pearls! Betty’s single strand of pearls is her trademark look.
For the Effortlessly Chic: Joan Holloway
Joan rocks office-chic like no other woman on television. Her form-fitting ensembles are always flattering and stylish. To capture Joan’s look, try donning curve-hugging outfits like a cap-sleeved dress or a pencil skirt and v-necked blouse. To add your own personal flare, add your favorite statement brooch and necklace. Finish the outfit with a pair of killer pumps, and you’ll stand out in your office just like Mad Men’s signature redhead.
For the Trendy Bohemian: Megan Draper
Megan, the show’s newest lead, marches to the beat of her own drummer-setting her apart from the rest of the show’s females. Unlike the other women, she doesn’t let the norms of the 1960’s housewife restrain her, and she is by far the trendiest of the women on the show. She is outgoing, fun and undeniably sexy. To capture Megan’s look, don’t be afraid to try funky prints and loud accessories. Try a brightly printed dress, a fun cardigan and nude pumps for a trendy daytime look. For the evening, wow in a black cocktail dress with fun accents (like Megan’s chiffon flutter sleeves) or stand out in a bright color-blocked ensemble.
~Alyssa, fashioniSTA
(All images found on Polyvore)
Green is the New Black
Apr 22nd
It’s easy to get lost in the little things in our daily lives—we’re often too preoccupied with work, school, family and friends to think about much else. However, Earth Day is approaching on Monday, April 22, and it is a day when we should put those petty issues aside and express our gratitude for the thing we take most for granted, the Earth.
There are numerous ways to give back to the Earth, from the smallest act of recycling and drinking from reusable water bottles to volunteering time to plant trees or installing energy-efficient appliances in your home. However, it doesn’t stop there. Your wardrobe can be just as eco-friendly as your lifestyle. Here’s how:
Buy Used/Consign
I’m not mentioning this just because this is the Second Time Around blog; buying used clothing is one of the biggest ways to be environmentally friendly with your fashion. Think about it: the amount of fuel and resources it takes to manufacture clothes and accessories is enormous. By purchasing clothing from a consignment store, you’re saving the energy and supplies that would ordinarily be used in the production of new clothing. Buying from consignment stores is not only good for the Earth—it’s good for your wallet, too! Consignment stores offer great deals on gently worn clothes and are a moneymaking eco-friendly alternative to tossing your last-season pieces in the trash.
Check Out Eco-Friendly Designers
There are numerous designers (both indie and more prominent) who take pride in their environmentally friendly designs. Loomstate is a mainstream clothing company that produces organic cotton clothing using “socially and environmentally responsible methods of production.” Another eco-friendly designer is Marcia Patmos, of M. Patmos. After spending a decade at luxury label Lutz + Patmos, she created her own brand, creating socially conscious and environmentally friendly pieces. Stella McCartney is probably the most prominent eco-fashion designers. Her designs are famously vegan, along with an emphasis on using organic and sustainable fabrics.
Share With Friends
In my sophomore year of college, I lived with seven other girls. Sounds crazy, right? It actually was one of the best experiences of my life. Not to mention, I probably spent less time and money shopping than I ever had before. Why? Because we raided each others’ closets all the time. There was rarely a day each week when a roommate wouldn’t ask to borrow an item of clothing or just browse through each others clothes. Borrowing clothes is a great way to practice environmentally friendly fashion, because like consignment shopping, you’re not adding to the pollution and resources it takes to produce new clothing. Not to mention, that sundress hanging in your best friend’s closet probably looks better on you anyway. 
For more eco-friendly style inspiration, be sure to check out our Going Green: Your Closet and Going Green: At Home Pinterest boards!
~Alyssa, fashioniSTA
(image credits: flickr.com, vogue.com, dailymail.co.uk
Recipe for the Ultimate FashioniSTA Birthday
Apr 10th
Birthdays are the greatest day of the year—but can also be the most stressful. It’s the one day that is all about you; as a fashioniSTA, there’s pressure to make it fantastic. Picking out the right outfit, party location and activities (not to mention creating your birthday wishlist) can be completely draining. However, after having just celebrated my own birthday, I’ve perfected the recipe to a fun, chic and successful fashioniSTA birthday.
Step 1: The Wishlist
I love making wishlists. I make them for Christmas, my birthday, and even various seasons—okay, maybe I’m a little overzealous. Still, if it’s your birthday, you want to receive gifts that you’re actually going to use, right? My birthday wishlists have completely changed since I hopped aboard the Pinterest train. Virtually any store can be accessed online, so you can just pin your favorite items straight to your very own birthday wishlist board. I start pinning my wishlists early and often, so there are lots of options for gifts by the time your birthday rolls around (and also because pinning is madly addictive). Once you’re done, all you have to do is send your wishlist board to your friends and family to give them a nudge in the right direction . Need some inspiration to get your Pinterest board on the right track? Check out our own “Night Out in Style” board for ideas!
Step 2: The Outfit
There are two days of the year when it’s okay for a fashioniSTA to get decked out in sequins: New Year’s Eve and your birthday. I have a crazy obsession with all things sparkly, so I obviously took advantage of the day and donned a green, long sleeved sequin mini dress. I paired the dress with simple black booties and a blazer, along with minimal jewelry—it was a hit. Not quite as excited about sequins as I am? Not to worry! Try a sparkly top with skinny jeans and killer pumps or a simple little black dress with fun statement jewelry, and you’ll still be a glittering birthday fashioniSTA.
Step 3: The Party
Every fashioniSTA celebrates her birthday differently, especially depending on your age and what day of the week it falls on. If you want to have a blowout event, you need to start this step fairly early on. Creating a guest list, planning food and drinks and finding a venue takes a lot of time—but is definitely worth it! Having a chic birthday bash is the ultimate way to celebrate in style. While I’m all for big parties, I had a milestone birthday last year (and rented out a hip bar to celebrate it), so this year I decided on a more intimate dinner with my closest girlfriends. Myself and nine other girls got dressed up and headed to the gorgeous Boston Waterfront, where we enjoyed specialty cocktails and fantastic new American food. My biggest suggestion when going to a birthday dinner with a large group is to go somewhere that has an extensive cocktail list (everyone has their own drink of choice) and a menu with plates to share. Also, pretend not to notice when your friends ask the waiter for a birthday dessert—it’s always more fun to act surprised when everyone starts singing happy birthday!
~Alyssa, fashioniSTA
(Image credits: tavernroad.com, thrillist.com, curioos.com/galaxyeyes/Abstract/Swim/000014152)
Rock Spring’s Hottest Colors…On Your Nails
Apr 4th
I have a confession to make: I’m obsessed with nail polish. I’m not joking when I say I have at least 50 bottles. I spend more time perusing the nail polish aisle of CVS and Sephora than any normal person should. I don’t know why or how this obsession started, but there’s no stopping it. And, just like clothes, nail polish colors go in and out of style, meaning I’m always looking for the newest hue to paint on my fingers and toes.
When the weather gets nicer, we discard our harsh black winter coats and thick gray sweaters for lighter, sunnier clothes. Nail polishes are no different. If you’re not afraid of a little color, this season is the time to go for it! Pastel nail colors are a great way to transition from winter to spring without worrying about your nails looking too bright. My favorite pastel colors are mint green and lilac, but if wearing nontraditional nail colors isn’t work-appropriate, pale pink is just as lovely. Want your fingers and toes to stand out a little more? Orange is one of this season’s hottest colors, and looks fantastic on the nails. If you’re even more daring, give a neon manicure a try. Neon colors are one of spring’s biggest fashion trends, and automatically add a pop to any outfit (remember my earlier post about all-white monochrome? Imagine that with a hot pink manicure—awesome!).
Not so much into highlighter or Easter egg-colored nails? Spring nail polish trends don’t just stop there. Nude polishes are just as trendy, and add an air of sophistication to any manicure; plus, they make fingers look longer and slimmer (and you don’t have to worry about clashing with your outfit!).
Whether you choose to rock a color or keep it chic and simple in a neutral shade, make sure your nails are just as ready for spring as you are!
~Alyssa, fashioniSTA
(Image credits: http://fashion-ocd.tumblr.com/, obaz.com, flare.com, pinterest.com, sarahpatricia.com.au)