Spotlight: Beautifully Fall

I've been finding some really great outfit ideas from tumblr recently and I thought I'd share my finding with you guys- Enjoy!

There is absolutely nothing I do not love about this outfit. The warm seasonal tones are perfectly contrasted by the wool red beanie. Leggings are in style this year no matter the season and this is one good example of how you can stay stylish while keeping warm. Ditto goes for the silk printed dress.

Alright, so this isn't technically a "Fall" look (unless you happen to live in a very warm area), but there is one thing about this outfit that got my scouring the internet to make a purchase: Wedged red Converse. They are my absolute new favorite thing! And, actually, if you swap the shorts for a pair of blue skinnies I would highly recommend this look for a casual Fall day. Double points for pairing the tank with a plaid button-down.

My layering advice for Fall: If you're going to pile on the clothes/accessories, tone down the colors. This is the perfect example of just that. This girl looks cool and confident. Bonus points for a pair of oversized shades.

TBC, my loves...

XoXo;

LAFF

Open Letters, Part I

First of all, I'd like to thank the few awesome people who subscribed to my blog! This blog is really important to me and it means a lot for people to actually subscribe. You guys rock my friggin socks!

Secondly, I'm still going crazy over fashion week, so I thought I'd create a series of "filler" post for now. I'm calling these posts a series of "Open Letters."

Dear CLOGS,

You’ve had a hard life, my darling. All your career you’ve been heavy, noisy, and all-together unattractive. You give no heel support whatsoever and your capability for comfort is debatable. You're made of wood, for heaven's sake. WOOD?!

I understand you want to redeem yourself. I get that you want your time in the spotlight. But here’s the deal: you’re a fashionista’s worst nightmare. I don't care what the magazine articles, blogs, and designers have to say about it. You're bound to go down in the books as most likely to look back on and say, "What the hell was I thinking?" And no heel-height, no amount of leather, no number of bedazzles are going to win you a spot in the fashion hall of fame. I’m sorry.

P.S. Let’s not forget what you ultimately started:

XoXo;

LAFF

More Fashion401k (from the professionals...)

So, because of my lack of time this week, instead of posting the rest of my Fashion 401k ideas, I thought that:

1. I'd grab some links from the professionals and toss 'em at you.

Reluctant Stylista Shopping Investment Pieces

Style Bakery's 10 Pieces for a Timeless Wardrobe

Marie Claire's Fashion 401k

and...

2. Reiterate some style tips directly from Kate Moss, as told to Jenny Feldman of Elle magazine

Know that hats are essential.

"Spontaniety works! You don't have to lay your outfit out on the bed the night before. I literally throw it together at the last minute. I don't think about it- just pull things on and go."

Find the perfect retro glasses.

"Never buy anything that doesn't feel good. You have to start with a good base. I like to feel as comfortable as I can, even when I'm dressing up at night."

Choose a bag with pizzaz.

"Here's the secret to sifting through vintage clothes... Patience- nothing more! Sorting through bins at the thrift store will sometimes yield a gem."

Reach for chandelier earrings like Kate's.

Her favorite shoe style: Pirate boots.

Live in Skinnys.

Her fashion icon? Julie Christie.

Pull it all together with a bracelet.

That's all for now my loves. Until next time...

XoXo;

LAFF

Fashion 401k

There is nothing more rewarding than a good investment. That goes double for fashion. Too many people, especially in this economically challenging time, settle for clothes that are too cheap, both in price and in quality. They think that they need to buy clothes that are "in" at the moment, but in doing so they spend money better spent on clothes that will last (and look great) for years to come. Which is why today's post is all about investment pieces.

Aaaand... who better to showcase these All Star investment favorites than the All Star supermodel herself, miss Kate Moss?

BLAZERS

Blazers are an absolute wardrobe must-have. They add the perfect touch to any ensemble. Above, Kate gives us three different ways to wear a blazer: creating a single-color line to give the illusion of length without heels; casual dress with a white collared shirt, light skinnys, and boots; and dressing up with a mini, tights, a clutch, and chandelier earrings (her favorite accesory).

CARDIGANS

Cardigans are the perfect casual coverup. When in doubt I always throw a cardigan on just before stepping out. I'd say you should have at least five in your closet: a simple black button-down, something with embelishments (ruffles, jewels, embroidery, ect), an oversized zipup, a short-sleeved/three-quarter length, and one cashmere. Above, Kate pairs her cardigans with two of my favorite year-round accessories: a hat and a scarf.

LBDs

LBD = Little Black Dress. Everyone knows how important it is as a grown-up to actually own an LDB, but picking one isn't always so easy. My advice- go simple and pick something that's going to show off your best asset. If you've got great shoulders don't hide them with sleeves (or even straps!). If your legs are strong, go as short as you want. Above, Kate shows off her supermodel figure in these three body-hugging LBDs.

TRENCH COATS

Trench coats are one of those items of clothing that never go out of style, so having one of good quality is important. Above center Kate models a gorgeous pattered trench while on either side she shows off two from her own closet. Outerwear tends to get beat on more than anything else, so be sure to look for something sturdy. If you have to spend the money on it, do it! Even if that means you'll only have enough for one. That one can do wonders.

To Be Continued....

XoXo;

LAFF

YesStyle.com UPDATE

Sorry I've been MIA this week. My boyfriend's cousin is in town from Seattle, WA and we've been showing her around the NYC shops. I've also been shopping quite a bit for myself in preperation for 2010's Fashion Week. I doubt I'll be able to post much more until next week.

Buuuuut, I do have good news!!

I got my order in today from http://www.yesstyle.com/ and I'm very happy with how the clothes turned out. Here's how the actual products compare to the site (sorry- my camera phone is pretty lousy):

So, what do you think?

My PROS: Great fit; Sturdy; Affordable

My CONS: I have none!

My verdict: Shop there at LEAST once. Chances are you'll enjoy the clothes, but even if you don't they're cheap and returnable so who cares?

In other news: I'm hoping that by the end of Fashion Week I'll have plenty of pictures for this year's biggest styles, so be sure to check back in soon!

XoXo;

LAFF

"Does this outfit make me look fat?"

Fat days: we all have them.  In fact, I’m swimming in one as we speak.

Mother Nature graciously handed me my monthly gift one week early this month, so I’m preparing for a handful of them, at least. 

These days of extra bloat (or burger) are when you really want an outfit that’s going to make you feel extra-gorgeous. Unfortunately for you, that outfit you spent half your paycheck on last week specifically for days like this now makes you look like a pregnant hooker (go ahead- take a minute to picture that).

Fortunately, I’m here with a few simple rules to help:

Rule #1: Nix the Gym Wear

I know your first instinct is to grab the loosest item of clothing you own, throw it on, and pray for the day to end, but hiding behind a curtain isn’t going to solve your problem. In fact, it’s going to make you look even bigger.

Instead, go for something with structure like a blazer or a wide belt over a long, collared shirt.

(picture courtesy of www.freepeople.com)

Rule #2: Black Isn’t the Only Color

We all know that black is slimming and if you’re content with that then rock it! However, if you want a little bit more variety (especially if you’re dealing with consecutive fat-days like me) then opt for a navy blue or deep violet to even out the color palette a little bit.

Another option is to add a brightly colored scarf, jewelry, or hair accessory to your sea of black (which is great to do even on non-fat days!).

(picture courtesy of Google images: Rachel Bilson)

Rule #3: Think Light, Be Light

Lightweight clothing does wonders for your body and body-image. You’ll not only look thinner, but you’ll feel thinner, too.

Flowing summer dresses give this effect perfectly.

(picture courtesy of www.hippiegirl.com)

Rule #4: Pile On the Miles

Heels, heels, and more heels. The higher the better. Heels add height. We all know that the taller you are the more you can weigh without looking “fat”. Obviously, your body fat doesn’t actually shift when you tack on a four-inch stiletto, but the illusion works just as well.

(picture courtesy of www.shoeuser.com)

So, the next day you're packing on a few extra pounds don't let it ruin your fashion day. Just follow my rules and strut your stuff like the hottie you are!

XoXo;

LAFF

Style? Yes!

YesStyle.com is an Asian-based web site, offering a variety of brand named merchandise from all over Asia to wherever you reside in the world. Shipping to the United States is only US$9.95 (FREE on orders exceeding US$150). All prices are measured in US dollars and because sizes differ from country to country each merch page offers a sizing chart.

Shipping information varies by brand, but many items ship in 1-2 business days!

Tonight I've ordered these four items of clothing. Their prices are affordable; the entire order costing me only $65.90 (plus shipping). And hopefully they're worth every penny!

I'll be getting the order in within the next week and I'll let you know. But in the meantime check it out! At the very least you'll get some cute outfit ideas. The models are so cute/fun and they really get into posing for the camera.

More later. It's my bedtime. ^_^

XoXo,

LAFF