Friday, January 13, 2012
Sunday, October 3, 2010
a practical, sober-minded woman
5.really, really great jeans.
in all of my shopping/design experience, finding the perfect pair of jeans does not necessarily equate to a high price point. my favorite pairs of jeans have come from the gorgeous boutique where i work, jc penney's, and yes, goodwill. most have been under $20. my $5 penney's find fit better and have a higher quality denim than my $200 citizens of humanity (a gift, thank you!) pair. i'm not saying to skimp on quality, but you don't always need to drop a wad to find it. the key to finding good jeans is time. take an entire day to explore a gigantic mall for the pairs that fit you best. or, better yet, go to a local boutique to find the ‘one.’ it might be a little pricier than the big ticket stores, but the service will not compare! If you don’t know what looks good on you, go to a smaller store where they can help you individually.
tip: never buy your jeans too tight. obviously there are modesty issues there, but, more excitingly, it's just simply not as flattering. also, don’t hesitate to invest in alterations. the correct hem length is essential lest your legs look shorter.
here are some of my favorite selections, for all body types:
i. love. these. jeans!! i wear them. yup, can't help it! they're so worth the money, being more comfortable than any pair i've ever had and better fitting, too. they come in all different styles and fabrics for varying body types. they cover every age range, from me (23) to my mom, to one of my classy 90 year old customers. if you hae a hard time finding jeans that fit, try these.
these here 7 For All Mankind jeans are great fitting for a range of body types. this particular pair is a great example of how straight the pants should fit in the leg. with skinny jeans the exception, our pants should look long and lean, with no buckling that the thighs, knees or ankles. that will shorten your leg and add bulges to places you don't want them.
tip: if you have a wider hip, wear jeans that have at least a bootcut leg. it will balance out your upper half. if you have straight hips, you can get away with wearing straighter jeans. there are so many more rules on this; another article will necessary to cover the subject!
6.decorative flats
even if you are the most reserved and casual of dressers, bold shoes will give the illusion you are a style pro. like most of us, i work a lot and need to be practical with flats. i love my white chucks, but they aren't the most professional of footwear options so i cannot usually wear them. when i go out of the house, i want to add some sparkle to my jeans and tees with cute ballet slippers. go for it, ladies. you'll feel so spiffy when you look around at everyone else's boring shoes.
flat option #1:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/telena?ref=pr_shop_more
more ballet styles to love .
flat option #2:
Thursday, March 19, 2009
a beautifully modest woman. (part II of V)
3.a huge, luxurious wrap.
this is the most practical and glamorous accessory you can possibly own. wear it around your neck as a super thick, warm scarf and then as a wrap when you reach your destination. they add immediate style to any outfit-jeans and tees during class or to a dress at church. i never, ever leave the house without one. ever. the key is to wear it loosely-it's much more flattering to your face and neck.
this style is flattering because it gives the appearance of height(yeeee-es.)
easy as pie. just throw it around you.
so cute with a jacket.
4.a pencil skirt
ah, the skirt. many women don't even like em, but i'm tellin ya, ladies, we shouldn't live without em! the way you'll feel when you wear a pencil skirt is unexplainable. style will exude from even the simplest of outfits paired with this classic dig. easy to coordinate with any style wardrobe, the pencil skirt is a another great piece to go from day to night. no matter the season, this simple silhouette will never go out of fashion.
vintage!
denim!
black!
ps. i get most of my skirts at goodwill! they are made with much better fabrics than you will find in a lot of departments stores, and industry standards were higher 20+ years ago than they are now. therefore, the overall quality is just better in most vintage pieces (unless you are willing to SPEND.) as for the wrap, i get all mine at a boutique that i work at in downtown holly michigan. it's loooovely.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
a stunningly attractive woman. (part I of V)
yeah, i said it.
are we supposed to be obsessed with our looks? of course not.
but we better be attractive to our husbands! (and hey, ourselves.)
sooooo...
let's dress like babes!
as a fashion designer, i am constantly getting asked my style advice. my style is super eclectic (i love every style of dress, so what's a girl to do but wear it all?!)
this advice isn't just for young chicks-every woman can benefit. after all, who do you think dresses my mom? seriously.
alright, here are my top 10 items every woman needs in her wardrobe.(or at least the first 2. more commin’ at ya soon.)
1.an understated piece of jewelry (or two)
this doesn't mean it's small and boring. example: i have a vintage mustard-colored bakelite bangle that i wear every single day. i've worn it for the past year and a half, and still look forward to putting it on. i have a clear plastic heart cocktail ring i wear daily as well. both pieces blend but pop nicely with every color and outfit, and i have grown to feel like they are a part of who i am. as silly as that may sound, it's nice to wear a piece that we feel represents us and reminds us of how special and unique we are. whether i'm washing the dishes or am at a major fashion event, i'm wearing them.
2. a shoulder bag.
if the right one is found, this is another must-have piece. every girl needs a big bag to carry all the necessities of life. carrying it diagonally over the body creates a nice slimming line, as well as allows two free hands. you won't know how you ever got around with that annoying little handbag.
alrighty, there are 2 very necessary wardrobe components out of 10. go on a mission to find your perfect pieces. there'll be more coming soon-you don't want to miss it!
xoxo Alexa
Thursday, February 12, 2009
the choice to trust.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
HE loves a modest girl
what in the fried bologna does that mean?