Words from the Mouth of Fashion: Vivienne Westwood

"Buy less, choose well."

~Vivienne Westwood, designer

It's always good to go shopping with a game plan, otherwise you end up spending money you didn't know you had, or buying items you didn't need or want!

Yes, with the rise of fast-fashion stores such as H&M and Zara, buying more has suddenly become easier and cheaper. But is cheaper always better?

Even with cheap being available, you should be picky with what you bring home. (Yes, when it comes to fashion and shopping, being picky can be a good thing!) It can save you money, and can allow you to consider bigger, nicer buys. It's always good to have a couple statement pieces, even if that means a few less tees!

So remember Vivienne Westwood's words next time you feel the urge to go shopping, and be purposeful in your browsing!

Midi Skirts: What (Not) to Do

I'm sure you have all heard of the Midi Skirt by now. It became popular this past year, and its popularity has not decreased since!

While it may seem like you can't go wrong with this style, there ARE right and wrong ways to wear it.

First of all, the skirt has to be one of two things:

1)made with a light material that adds next to nothing to your frame:

Google Images

*OR*

2) Made with a heavier material, like this one:

Google Images

Semi-bulky midis are unflattering and misleading as to whether the extra bulk is a part of YOU or the skirt. Often they just add unwanted pounds to your lower body physique.

Tips for wearing midis:

• If you are looking to add some shape to your frame, then go for a high waisted midi made with a thick material, like the one above, which accentuates a small waist and flares out, giving the appearance of more curves.
• The same goes for women trying to take attention away from a larger lower body. The skirt flares on its own, and continues to flare almost to the end, elongating the curve and making the shape under become one with the skirt.
• No matter what shape you are, always experiment with different varieties! Everyone is different, and different types may look good on you, and not on others. 
• Pick a time to go to your favorite store, grab every midi off the racks, and have your own little dressing room party!

If the idea of midi skirts have always made you sick, remember these modern midis aren't just the typical 50's skirts. There are many different styles, shapes, and materials being used now, making the midi more flashy and unique than ever.

Pinterest, my own collage

If you don't love the way the length looks on you, or you just want to try a different take, try a midi wrap skirt!

Pinterest

Pinterest

A midi skirt can be many different things! If you don't like one of the styles, then try a different one!

What are your thoughts on the Midi?

Words from the Mouth of Fashion: Franca Sozzani

Franca Sozzani, Vogue Italia Editor-in-Chief

“I don’t like fashionistas. They only wear the brand. You want to become a fashionista? Easy! Spend money.”

-Franca Sozzani, Vogue Italia Editor-in-Chief

Every week from now on, I am going to post a quote about fashion that I want to share with you, and explain a bit of what it means to me. So above is the quote for week one, from Franca Sozzani.

I agree with the fact that almost anyone can be a fashionista if they have the money. 
Its true that anyone can be considered fashionable and trendy if they go and buy the newest Chanel ensemble. 

It's not bad to appreciate good design and want to wear attractive clothes, but it is also good to hear that people in the fashion business, like Franca Sozzani, can see through the clothing and won't evaluate only based on how expensive or flashy an outfit is. 

What do you think? Is this a harsh statement, or generally true?

Wearable Technology- Ringly

Lately we've been bombarded with all sorts of products claiming that they are "wearable technology". But many of them are unappealing and unattractive, which almost takes the "wearable" out of them, for the fashion forward. Guaranteed, there are some good ideas out there, and they are a start. But there is a new product coming out in the fall that is not only high-tech, but also fashionable! Made by the designers at ringly.com, these hot new rings, made with 18K matte gold, will tell you when you receive that important email you've been waiting for, great for situations where it would be rude to check your phone every few seconds. Also, these rings look fantastic! I would wear them just for the look! 

Daydream

 "With technology so discreet, you’ll forget it does anything other than accessorize your favorite looks." (Ringly)

For more information, visit their website, ringly.com.

Design Prom Dress: Check!

Hey guys, I've written a few posts before on how I was designing my prom dress. My prom was last week, and I am so happy to say that i finished making my dress in time! Yay! here are a couple pictures of it:

I was so excited to wear it and I was very happy for the way it turned out! This was my first real sewing project, so it was a lot of trial and error, and I still have many things to learn! I can't wait to start designing my dress for next year!

PLEASE tell me what you think about it, and if you have any specific complements or critiques I would love to hear them in the comment section! 

Thank you! 

New York, New York

Friday is always the best day of the week, right? Well for me, this past Friday was extra special. Because...it was the first time I have ever been in NYC! And it won't be my last.
You all know how I aim to be a fashion designer, so the reason for the trip was actually to go to an information session at the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology. The school was amazing, both physically and in theory, and the opportunities they make available for their students both during school and afterwards is extensive and impresive. I look forward to applying in the fall!

And New York itself is absolutely stunning. Google Street View just doesn't do it justice. And the stores in Times Square have their own DJs? You've gotta be kidding me!
For the last portion of our time, we went down to Soho to have dinner with our cousin. We ate at Mezzogiorno, an Italian restaurant with some of the best food I've ever had. The business was just starting to pick up when we left around 9:30, and the candles and wine glasses scattered around made for an excellent atmosphere.

So here's a small summary of my Friday. I could have included a lot more, and I'm sure my dad would be upset that I didn't include anything about going in Madison Square Garden, but hey, he'll get over it! But seriously, every inch of the City was stunning and I'm just itching to go back!

(Photos found on google images, they are not my own)

Back in the Game

Hey guys,

Just a quick note to say thank for your support even in my absence. Even while I haven't been posting during the last couple of weeks, I still got mentions on twitter, page views, and more followers. You guys really encourage me to keep writing even when I want to give up or when I feel like I've run out of ideas. So, I have a post scheduled for tomorrow, and I plan to get back into the swing of things!
Thanks so much!
-Alyssa Adelle
(The picture has nothing to do with this, I just thought it was pretty!)