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

TGIF

Congratulations to each and every one of you for making it through another week.. it's Friday!!! And according to instagram, it's also #flashbackfriday

If I could've chosen any other era to live in besides the one I do I would 1000% choose the 80s. The music, the rebellious teenage years and most of all, the fashion. One of my favorite trends from the 80s was the leather trend. As always, trends change and then revert back and leather is one of those trends that has come back in our fashion circulation.

Some of the biggest fashion icons of the 80s were team leather. It's so funny to see how much one specific style can change so much over the course of 30 years. Here's my tribute to current day leather

tank: miley cyrus & max azria @ walmart

sweater: forever xxi

shorts: divided @ buffalo exchange

sneakers: converse

 jacket: young and reckless @ pac sun
shirt: forever xxi
scarf: honey
pants: target

shirt: rolla coaster @ t.j.maxx

skirt: one clothing @ t.j.maxx

leg warmers: target

shoes: no name

necklaces: forever xxi

earrings: claire's

Now go out and enjoy the leather!

- nali xo

The Breakfast Wrap

"Eat. My. Shorts." 

If you don't recognize that quote off the top of your head please open a new tab immediately and google it so you can pretend you were in the club from the beginning.

Now that we're all on the same page I'd like to take a minute to appreciate the masterpiece that is The Breakfast Club in a collage that I found on google.

This movie has been and will always be timeless, not because of the fashion and trends seen in the movie but because of the underlying message that everyone leads their own secret life behind closed doors. As difficult as it is to see that in high school, kids should learn to give each other a break and remember we're all here for the same reason. 

On another note, the clothing in this movie, although perfect for the time period and specific group of people it is dressing, would not normally be worn out now on any other day. I took inspiration from this movie and mentally updated my favorite character's look for myself.

 John Bender Official Resume: 

- Able to light a match with his teeth

- Has a bad influence on anyone he speaks to

- The voice of reason of the breakfast club

- Acts as comic relief

- Certified badass

Anyone as enamored with this movie as me who says they didn't have a crush on old Bender is either delusional or lying. Here is my way of showing appreciation for the high school "criminal"

The easiest way to spin off a character's style for your own is to take main patterns or colors, (in this case, plaid and denim) match them with similar or neutral colors to the rest of the character's outfit and finish off your look with your own personal touches. I chose a bow :)

Lace shirt: monteau @marshall's

denim shirt: american eagle

leather shorts: divided @ forever xxi

necklace: ralph lauren @ buffalo exchange

plaid flannel: cpo @ buffalo exchange

bow: forever xxi

boots: sm @ sears

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to eat breakfast today (;

- nali xo