What I Wore Wednesday- End of Summer Edgy

Summer is almost over and I'm excited about the seasons to come.  I love the smell in the air as the leaves change and pumpkins are placed on porches. I love the feeling in the air as the winter holiday season approaches. And I LOVE layering summer pieces of clothing under and over warm woolen pieces to create fabulous cold-weather looks.

However, we still have a few weeks of summer left here in the Northeastern US, and that means I still have a few more summer outfits to show you.  This week my ensembles are unmistakeably edgy.  Using black as my basis and mixing in some texture and shine-I created two end-of-summer edgy looks, one for a festival and one for the night.

Look One:

 

Over-sized Shirt/Dress- Thrifted

 Boots- BonTon

Headband- Forever 21

Sunglasses- Gas Station

Look Two:

Crop Top- BonTon
Skirt- Forever 21
Flats- don't remember where I bought them
Earrings- Etsy Shop
Necklaces- Festival Finds

Which look is your favorite and what will you be wearing as the seasons change?

xoxo
Elle Michele
@ellemichele88

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What I Wore Wednesday- My Week in Outfits

I have been having a lot of fun taking pictures of myself standing on a chair, showing off the outfits that I love putting together.  I've been having so much fun that this week I decided to take pictures of three outfits-sitting and standing on that beloved chair.

I've entitled this piece "My Week in Outfits" because these outfits tell the story of my life, or at least tell the story of my life this past week. I won't explain to you the details of the activities I participated in, the events I attended, and why I chose to wear what I wore-but rather I'd like to tell the story of my week through the following pictures. Sometimes, art needs no explanation!

Cardigan- Thrifted (Vintage)
Tank- Express
Shorts- Urban Outfitters
Mary Janes- Not sure where I bought them
Purse- Thrifted (Vintage)
Bracelet- HSN
Necklace- Local Store
Headband- ASOS

Sweater- Urban Outfitters
Dress- Express
Shoes- Urban Outfitters
Head Wrap- Urban Outfitters
Necklace- Urban Outfitters

Dress- Express
Vest- Bon Ton
Bag- Thrifted (Vintage)
Necklaces- Festival Finds

So, where do you think I wore each of these outfits? And what do you think of them? Feel free to attach links of the fabulous outfits you have been wearing lately as well.

xoxo
Elle Michele
@ellemichele88

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Sunday Funday: DIY Studding

Hello again!

After a short break, I am back with some more DIYs.

I have so many things I want to make and show you, but I was swamped with moving and work this week.  So, I decided to revamp some summer items that were already in my closet. 

I bought a pack of studs for like $2 on eBay, and I have been dying to use them.

So I call this segment, Fun with Studs.

My sister bought me this sweet bathing suit from Victoria's Secret for the summer.

(P.S. You may recognize the style from one of Elle's previous posts)

As if the neon green color wasn't fierce enough, I decided adding some studs to the top was necessary.

The studs I have are super easy to use.  They pierce right through the fabric and then you push down 4 pegs in the back to keep it in place.

I didn't want to go overboard, so I just did a line across the top of each cup.

Now it is like a brand new bathing suit!  I'm in love with it.

I might even add another row or two.

Since this is one of the easiest DIY projects, I also decided to stud a pair of canvas shoes.

I bought these cuties for $6 at Target.  

They are the perfect summer slip-on, and they are actually really comfortable.  

Again, studs were necessary.  I added a few along the seam of each side of the shoes.

      

Now they are just a little bit more interesting, and no one else has a pair like me. 

So if you are looking for a cute way to revamp some old (or new) items in your closet, studs are definitely an easy, cheap, and stylish way to do so.

Hope you like!  See ya next week!

XO Christina

@ChristinaLogozo

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Magazine Monday - Men's Summer Style with Complex

Complex Magazine is a great place for young men's fashion. I came across a recent article with 12 different personalities style tips for the summer! I thought it was great to take different perspectives on style and combine them all to create your own!

~-~

Michael Bastian

"Summer dressing is all about how little you can wear and still look pulled together."

That's exactly right! He recommends a dress shirt with shorts, dress shoes, and a great pair of sunglasses! I think it's a classic and chic look for the summer - maybe a little stuffy, but it still looks good!

Tommy Ton of Jak and Jil

"Summer dressing is really about stripping down to just the basics."

This is completely my mentality! I try to keep it simple and pump it up with either patterns or colors. Ton recommends nicely cut shorts with a semi-fitted t-shirt, and sunglasses for attitude! He also doesn't approve of sandals or flip-flops - and neither do I!

Matthew Henson (Complex Market Editor)

"Keep it simple, and pay attention to the details."

Henson says there is no need to to wear a blazer when it's 90 degrees... And obviously I agree! Let's be real; we need to be comfortable and sweat is never a good look! Be comfortable and cool - and then you're set! He recommends a plaid or lightweight oxford shirt with khakis or jeans. Sneakers or simple light shoes are great to pair with it. It's all about being relaxed!

Nick Wooster, JCPenney Creative Director

"Any trimmer, shorter, slimmer bathing suit makes every body type look better on the beach."

Wooster recommends a trim and tailored bathing suit with a clean waist and a slim leg opening. Elastic waistbands are a definite no-no and can be unforgiving. Fun patterns and colors are perfect for the beach! Fun, summery, and makes your body look better? Nice!

~-~

You can check out more tips on Complex's website! And other great tips for men's style!

What tips do you have/love for the rest of the summer?

@Anthony_Carmen

[ Images courtesy of Complex Magazine ]

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Celeb Saturday- Celebrities on the Streets

I know that everyone adores and is inspired by real-girl street style. Seeing how others put together interesting admire-worthy outfits to wear every day is inspiring.  So for this Celeb Saturday I put together a collection of my favorite street style photographs, but this time the girls on the streets are celebrities!

Even though these fashionable celebrities are far from being "real girls", they still have errands to run and lunch dates to attend.  And it's interesting and inspiring to see the outfits they put together to wear doing the same activities we do.  

This summer we're seeing the most fashionable female celebs wearing flowing skirts and short-shorts in bright colors or head-to-toe chic neutrals. They're loving a bright-colored bag and are paying special attention to their stop-you-in-your-tracks footwear. My favorite outfits belong to Miranda Kerr and Whitney Port in pastel brights. 

Enjoy!

Miranda Kerr

Olivia Palermo

Emmy Rossum

Selena Gomez

Blake Lively

 Ashley Tisdale

Whitney Port

Miley Cyrus

Lauren Conrad

Vanessa Hudgens

Ashley Benson

Although Miranda Kerr and Whitney Port wore my favorite street-chic looks, Selena Gomez is looking sexy in her short-shorts and Miley Cyrus looks edgy yet relaxed in her head-to-toe printed ensemble.  Which look are you loving the most?

xoxo

Elle Michele

@ellemichele88

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What I Want Wednesday - Exploring Topman

So, has anybody guessed what Wednesday is?

This week, it’s What I WANT Wednesday! A nice post on what we’re dying to buy, or what we’re really inspired by!

I recently stumbled upon Topman’s Spring Summer Lookbook 2012 and thought the pictures were really cool and interesting and presented great day looks!

I loved all of the fun patterns mixed with solid pants. I’m definitely not into full patterned looks for men, because I think there needs to be something to break it up for you to really appreciate the print on it’s own. If it becomes too busy, it becomes way too distracting and gimmicky! Women, however, can totally get away with that!

These prints have a fun vibe, while still being masculine and relatable to the menswear market!

I also loved this short suit; very inspired by the 1950’s boy short suits! I think it’s a confident and chic look while still maintaining a professional side. I don’t know if there will ever be a day where shorts are acceptable in the office, but why not? It’s summer, after all!

Here are some items that relate to this conversation and are reasonably affordable:

Navy Check Skinny Blazer - $220

[paired with] Navy Check Tailored Shorts - $80

Multi-Patterned Scoop T-Shirt - $36

Black Acid Wash Shorts - $60

Multi Sublimation Kaleidoscope T-Shirt - $44

Peach Oxford Tailored Shorts - $70

I encourage you to look around Topman’s website, especially at their frequent ½ Price Sales! I love them for their affordability, range in size, deals, and fast shipping! Of course, for the ladies, there is Topshop! [ But watch out for their next counterfeit lawsuit! ;) ]

That’s what I want for the summer! What about you, Elle??

Next week, What I Want Wednesday may change, stay tuned! ;)

A.Carmen

[ Images courtesy of TOPMAN ]

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Magazine Monday-Structure for Summer

Usually I'm not attracted to structured clothing as much as I am to flowy, romantic clothing. But I think an article on Vogue Magazine's website (vogue.com) changed my mind!  The article is featured in the website's "Vogue Daily" section- a collection of daily fashion articles that read more like blogs or interesting editorial commentaries than typical structured magazine articles .  

The piece is called The New Shape: Sculptural Silhouettes for Summer, written by Katherine Bernard.  Bernard tells us that although people usually prefer to dress in gauzy, draped dresses and loose-fitting tunics for summer,structured clothing is a fresh, new way to dress for the season.  And structure can be just as pretty and feminine for summer, she says.  

I'm inspired! I think that I can (and all the other romantics out there can) incorporate some  structured pieces into a wardrobe full of pretty dresses and skirts for an interesting way to change- up an outfit.

For example:

  (Image courtesy of Vogue.com)

The nude satin corset top on the left can be paired with a chiffon maxi skirt in a bright color like turquoise, with soft suede moccasins in a neutral color similar to (but not identical to) the top.  And the pretty geometric pencil skirt in the middle can be paired with a silk top in purple or green tucked in for a colorful, structured, but still sweet and summery look.

Here are some more inspirational structured-but-pretty outfits featured in the article:

(Image courtesy of Prabal Gurong and vogue.com)

I like that this outfit is structured (because of the clean lines and sleek silhouette), but it doesn't look severe. The skirt has some movement and shine and the top has some interesting texture. 

 (Image courtesy of Preen and vogue.com)

 This outfit has plenty of girly details, like the abstract print that resembles flowers and the pretty mixture of soft blue and tangerine orange.  But the dress is streamlined.

(Image courtesy of No. 21 and vogue.com)

Finally, this outfit reads polished and sophisticated.  But the red applique details on the dress and the subtle chiffon underlay give the look a sweet, feminine touch.

I hope that you are just as inspired by these ideas as I am!  Which outfit is your favorite?

xoxo Elle Michele

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