Too Cool For School

Khakis, ties and knee socks.  Anyone who ever attended catholic/private school knows the struggle of not being allowed to wear a jacket in school on the coldest day of the year because it didn't have the school name on it, or going berserk whenever a tag day was announced for the following school day. This is the life of a schoolboy/girl restricted from proper self expression, and it is a grievous one. Talk about a horrible flashback. However, I've noticed recently that high waisted plaid skirts are coming back in style from when they were cool for 5 year olds on Christmas Eve. And what do you know, I've got about 4 of them still hanging in my closet because I was forced to wear one every day for 12 years of my life. There probably won't be a better feeling for anyone in the same situation as me than to vandalize their uniform in the best way they can: accessorizing to the point you'd have year long detention for uniform exploitation. Here are the least uniform-like combinations I could come up with.

If you're into the school girl theme, try some over-the-knee socks to jump the idea of regular knee socks with a plaid skirt to the next level. A pop of color not already included in the plaid design also gains bonus points!

P.S. blouses don't always have to be worn as blouses... as long as they aren't fitted they can moonlight as a satin-y cardigan

shirt: forever xxi

blouse: burlington coat factory

necklaces: claire's

socks: target

sneakers: no name

(Shielding her eyes to my past)

For a grungier look

jacket: pac sun

shirt: buffalo exchange

necklace: kohl's

boots: free lance

And for the prep in us all

sweater: forever xxi

bracelets: forever xxi

tights: scarf:

boots: flea market steal

Stick it to that dress code you probably never got along with and prove that the worth of this skirt is so much more like this than it ever was with a polo or button down tucked into it. 

- nali xo

"I am what I am" - Doc Marten 2002/03

According to just about every 'greatest of the 90's' list, Doc Martens were one of the most worn trends between 1989 and 2000. I was never older than 7 in that timespan, so I can't vouch for it personally, but looking at old photographs of celebrities and everyday trailblazers it seems to be the case. 

Back in the day, Doc Martens were known to be worn by people in a 'grunge' or 'punk mod' fashion. But before that, they were one of the first kind of boot with sole cushioning inside, making them durable and reliable for postmen, police officers and factory workers. So they're a fashion statement for the rebellious teenager in all of us while also being substantial enough to support any kind of hard treading done in them. Originally Docs were only made in a variety of solid colors, but they now print patterns and have an assortment of different styles as well. You can see why I'd be excited when my new pair of gems, seam-packed full of history and potential was finally dropped on my front porch.

shirt: piazzitalia

leggings: burlington coat factory

necklace: new york & co

hat: h&m

top: forever xxi

cardigan: abercrombie

pants: target

belt: wet seal

shirt (view of back): forever xxi

scarf: kohl's

pants: target

These boots can give a grungy look to any outfit and depending on what color you get, can also give you the option to stand out completely. Who else do you know with floral or neon colored shoes? Use them to accent or base an entire outfit around them. Go out and make even more history in these bad boys.

- nali xo

The past is so bright, we need shades

A very happy #flashbackfriday to all you beautiful people out there. The sun is shining, the air is warm and there's only one thing keeping you from having a perfect day: new shades. I say "new" but what I really mean is old masquerading as new. You see, my little darlings, almost every trend pasted on the pages of magazines or on billboards in New York City have been inspired by or redeveloped from trends that were huge decades ago. We are not responsible for coming up with anything from scratch because everything we think of is unconscious inspiration from something or someone else. 

One of these fabulous trends taken specifically from the 60's is the art of the sunglass. Sunglasses, like the people who wear them, come in all shapes and sizes and the more diverse the shape, the cooler the shades. Before you pick up those cat eye frames and anoint yourself a trend setter, take a minute and remember all the trailblazers who did it first. 

Style #1: The cat eye

You don't have to be a die hard Tiffany's fan to recognize this image. Miss Audrey should have been a spokeswoman for the cat eyes, she wore them so much, and she wore them well.

Although patterns are less simple and shapes can change subtly or not-so-subtly, the style is the same and they're flying off sunglass racks everywhere. Here are some modern examples of the cat eye frame.

Basic frame, wild pattern. (asos.com)

Sharper edges, grungier feel. (forever xxi)

Inventive design, oompa loompa imagery (in a good way) (nastygal.com)

A little color never hurt anyone, the minimalistic frame and naked underwire give a whole new look to a classic style. (nastygal.com)

Style #2: Circle glasses

                   

 The man, the myth, the Lennon. Another iconic image. This incredible man is remembered for many things, one being this look he created for himself with simple geometric shapes over his eyes. I personally think only John can pull off this exact model and lucky for me this is another frame that has been modified since it became popular. 

Peace, love, pearls. That was what Lennon said right? (nasty gal.com)

Surprisingly modern retro look. Round and somehow still cat eye-esque. (nastygal.com)

Widescreen view anyone? (nasty gal.com)

Classic and chic. The thin plastic rims surprisingly add a lot to a simple frame. (urban outfitters)

Cool kids only double bar tie dye frames. (nastygal.com)

Style #3: Square

The lovely Lesley "Twiggy" Hornby has been and will always be remembered for her teeny physique and huge sense of style. Such large glasses on such a little person is a perfect way to make a statement. You've probably never seen glasses quite as unique as these but the square shape remains in fashion in ways you may not even realize. 

This pair would probably suit Twiggy if she were still modeling now due to the twiglike characteristics of the frame. (asos.com)

A bit more chunky with pink lenses. (asos.com)

This square frame take on a cat eyed approach near the ears and give a combat feel with strong gold lines subtly running down the sides. These glasses mean war. (mango.com)

For the truly daring: this style has an out of this world, astronomical feel to them. Use with caution and for your safety do not take out of this galaxy. (yesstyle.com)

All the frames I posted today were under $50 on the websites and stores I found them from. High fashion doesn't necessarily have to mean high prices! Go fit your face today 

- nali xo

Forever Young

In honor of my blog officially being alive and kicking for one whole month (woooohooo) I decided to give you all at treat and let you feast your eyes on a small fashionista in the making. Luckily for me, when I was just a wee tot my mom was smart enough to put me in clothes that actually looked good and weren't just good for a laugh 15 years later. Low and behold after those 15 years have passed the only noticeable change in my appearance is a very slight change in height. This #flashbackfriday goes out to mama rucci and how she planted the seed 19 years, 11 months and 8 days ago and how actually cute I was. 
p.s. I'm very aware I'm much less cute now but give me a break this was a good idea at the time. Also please forgive the quality of my pictures but cameras back then were nowhere near the technology of our phones these days 

circa Halloween '97... look at them curls!

^^ Those two pictures were taken in the same place believe it or not. I don't think the fence has been changed or replaced at all to be honest

sweater: vintage

pants: abercrombie and fitch

sneaks: no name

hat: pacsun

Memory number 2: August of '98

Once a flower child, always a flower child. Sorry for the nip slip

tank: abercrombie and fitch

jeans: flea market find with diy rips :)

belt: forever xxi

headwrap: urban outfitters

boots: target

Memory numero tres: no idea when this was taken I'm sorry I look like a demon

so many patterns, so little time

sweater: united colors of benetton (vintage)

jeans: one heart @ marshall's

shoes: steven madden @ marshall's

necklace: ralph lauren 2 buffalo exchange

I'd like to thank you all for taking this little journey with me. Exits are found in the front and rear of the blog, please remember to take all your belongings when you leave cause we don't want em.

- nali xo

"I... am a Star"

"You might laugh because every time I sign my name I put a gold star after it, but it's a metaphor. And metaphors are important. My gold stars are a metaphor. For me. Being a star."

Who remembers the days when Rachel Berry from Glee was geeky and defensive, strong-willed and argumentative? Since the beginning of the series, it is clear that as Rachel's character grows and develops, so does her ability to dress herself fashionably. Where plaid and tweed patterns used to adorn her, now are replaced by leather and tighter fitting clothing. Don't get me wrong, Lea Michele and Rachel Berry are both smoke  shows, but I'm flashing back this Friday to season one to appreciate the underrated art form that is 'original Rachel Berry'.

 Here are a few refreshers for all the folks at home who can't remember what this diva used to dress like. Notice the argyle and other preppy patterns.

And here is a lovely timeline of how the style has grown and how much yellow Rachel used to wear.

 After many hours spent tearing apart mine and my mother's closets searching for hideous prints in the hopes of making them desirable, I present to you my own interpretation of vintage Rachel Berry.

vest: daily habit (vintage)

pants: bdg @ urban outfitters

tank: aeropostale

boots: sm @ sears

Although it may not look like it, this checkered vest has a rocker/grunge feel to it when it's hanging loose unbuttoned. 

tank: hollister co

sweater: marshall's

skirt: j.g.hook (vintage)

shoes: forever xxi

A huge Rachel trademark was plaid skirts with knee socks and flats. I chose to stray away from the socks so it doesn't seem like I'm advising any of you to go back to your schoolgirl days.

shirt: piazzitalia

collar: forever xxi

vest: dakota blues

shorts: h&m @ buffalo exchange

shoes: sm @ sears

This outfit is a blend between old and new Rachel. Only old Rachel would wear argyle socks but I used them in this punk-y outfit as leg warmers with combat boots and leather shorts.

Although adopting Lea Michele's character's outfits doesn't include her voice as a package deal, it's safe to say she rocked it and so can you.

- nali xo 

"Before it's in Fashion, it's in Vogue...."

....After it's in Vogue, it's on Good Better, Dressed

I figured it was about time I pay homage to the bible as none of us fashionistas would be anywhere without it. There's something so timeless about the classic Vogue photo shoots from the 50s that can never be duplicated but always used as inspiration for many. Trends obviously change over time, some more quickly than others, but I find that trends from back in the 50s are always relevant whether they have been updated or not.

My sister helped me update these vintage Vogue looks for myself

1950 April Vogue

pants: bebe @ buffalo exchange

necklace: claire's 

coat: chadwick's

shirt: h & m

April 1950 Vogue

dress: hearts... @ marshall's

belt: perrie ellis

hat: auchan

coat: old navy

scarf & gloves: vintage

1950 December UK Vogue

(left)

belt:  perrie ellis

scarf: pashmina

necklace: ralph lauren @ buffalo exchange

dress: brandy melville

(right)

blouse: delia's 

blazer: forever xxi

skirt: b-wear @ marshall's

 Some of these outfits I created were more for fun and to play dress up but there's a kind of grace in wearing a 1950s inspired outfit with your own touch for a special occasion or any occasion. I hope you all have a Vogue-ified weekend.

 - nali xo