"I'm sitting in my Property Law class wearing them right now!"

[gender.female]

[location.australia]

What was your most recent fashion related purchase?

"My latest purchase is a stunning full length, backless vintage sparkly gown. It’s the most amazing vintage piece I have ever laid my hands upon. I spotted it last week but it was a bit pricey. I went back the next week and luckily for me it was half price! I was so grateful that nobody snatched it up yet. I can’t wait to take photos and share it on my blog! Along with the dress, I also picked up a vintage black felt wide brim hat for $9.00. When I saw it, I knew I had to have it. It's right on trend and didn’t cost me a fortune. The kind of things I find in thrift stores never cease to amaze me. Fashion truly does repeat itself, but not always in the most obvious way.”

Best compliment received on your style?

"The best style compliment I have ever received was on my birthday this year. I'm a self taught sewer, so I made my own birthday dress inspired by Alexis Mabille's two toned dresses in her Haute Couture 2010 show. Everyone loved the dress. Receiving compliments for something you actually made yourself is always just a little bit more special. I feel incredibly special when friends see the clothes I have made and ask me to make them things too or dress them!”

If you could only wear one pair of shoes next year, what would they be?

"It must be my new pair of vintage Justin Ropers! Living in Australia, top quality vintage cowboy boots are hard to come by, so when I snapped these up on eBay for $11.00, I was thrilled! I absolutely love them. In fact, I'm sitting in my Property Law class wearing them right now!”

What is the most common fashion mistake in your city?

"When I roam around town, it becomes quite apparent that everyone likes to dress the same. I see the same shirt from the same shop on four different people within ten minutes. Not being brave enough to step outside the square (and possibly face a few strange stares) is the biggest mistake.”

What advice would you give to someone wanting to be more fashionable?

"Don’t buy clothes simply based on the brand! I always hear people say something to the effect of 'oh but its [insert high end fashion label here].' That to me means nothing if it looks hideous! Buy for your shape and style and forget the label. It’s very easy these days to spend very little money on items that are quality.”

Anything Else?

"I run my own online vintage store, LADYMAPLE VINTAGE featuring beautiful one of vintage pieces. I’m always collecting. At the moment, all the vintage from my store is sourced locally. However, next year I will be making my way to Canada and Paris to collect many wonderful items!"

You can visit me here:

La Petite Fembot:
La Petite Fembot
Lookbook.nu La Petite Fembot
Facebook.com La Petite Fembot

LadyMaple Vintage:
eBay LadyMaple Vintage
Facebook LadyMaple Vintage.

Want to stand out in the style crowd? Then vintage attire is sure to satisfy your sartorial appetite. Since fashion is cyclical, it’s easy to get your hands on cool clothes from the past just like today’s fabulous nista.

Pretty in pink, our nista is wearing a sheer vintage dress that creates maximum flirt factor. The delicate ivory polka dots add a dose of attitude and texture to this fanciful look and the mock belt gives mucho definition to the waist. Pairing this elegant garment from yesteryear with a modern black suede ankle boot and pewter socks makes for the perfect classic-meets-current combo. Take a little inspiration from this nista, it’s best to balance retro inspired apparel with chic, up to date pieces like her dazzling footwear. The collection of cream pearl necklaces and matching shank buttons keep it clean and sleek, while the puffed sleeves are perfect for evoking a whimsical, old-fashioned vibe.

In her second wardrobe selection, our lovely nista wraps herself in vintage goodness with this voluminous purple dress nipped in slightly at the waist. The never ending, soft, circular detailing transports this seasoned get-up into more refined and urbane territory. Below the waist, her suede ebony side zip booties and accompanying charcoal socks change the character of this outfit in a flash. Finally, this retro inspired look is nothing without her braided headband and oversized circular rings in salmon and silver. It’s the perfect finishing touch, while not detracting from the main focus -her stellar retro ensemble.

If the idea of slipping into a pair of hand me down jeans or used saddles shoes leaves a sour taste in your sartorial palette, opt for pieces with vintage inspired details, like a delightful paisley dress or even a chic highwaisted skirt.

Do you like to wear vintage pieces?

Where are some great places to get retro inspired clothes in your area?

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"Too many shoes? I'm not sure I understand the question..."

[gender.female]

[location.united states]

What’s your advice for someone trying to define their style?

"It's tempting to want to define things because that makes it easy to categorize, but I don't think it's necessary to ‘define’ your style. I wear lots of things that don't necessarily fit into a certain definition (rock chic, femme, etc.), so my advice is to wear whatever you like whenever you like! Having said that, it is helpful to have a clear idea of the type of clothing you tend to be drawn to, so I usually advise people to find images of items they like and look for common themes. Are you attracted to a certain silhouette or color or print? Figure that out and keep those things in mind when shopping or getting dressed.”

Tell us about an ensemble you regret wearing.

"Hmm...I don't really regret wearing any one specific outfit (jams shorts and push-down socks were in style then, okay?), but I usually regret dressing to suit someone else's expectation of the way I should look, or trying to make myself feel better by dressing up--that almost never works.”

Do you ever go out without accessories?

"No! I always wear earrings. I mean always –and a watch. I think the earring thing is due to my mom --she'll change her earrings just to go to bed! The watch is a control issue; I always need to know what time it is, even when I'm running late (approximately 70% of the time).”

What is your personal style philosophy?

"I dress to suit my mood and I always want to feel like what I'm wearing complements and expresses who I am --even if ‘who I am’ evolves and changes regularly. That's my personal style philosophy, too: dress how you feel and you'll always look great!”

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

" I probably own about seventy pairs, including boots and sandals. Too many shoes? I'm not sure I understand the question....”

Anything Else?

"I'm the editor of Style Sample Magazine a magazine by, for, and about fashion bloggers--you should check it out! There's always lots of great information online and in the magazine--fashion, shopping, designers, photography, illustration, blogging advice--I'd love for you to visit!”

Today we will explore one of the signature color combinations in all of fashion –black and white. Earlier we discussed wearing this duo separately here and here, now it’s time to turn our attention to the myriad of style possibilities unleashed as these two classic hues merge.

In her first look, our lovely nista takes this ultra hot color combo to the next level. Sporting an elegant cream mini dress with contrasting ebony over the knee socks, she’s sure to register on the style radar. Forget those thigh high boots; as this nista shows, towering socks are where it’s at. She rounds out this contrasting color outfit with several chic, multihued accessories. The voluminous coffee shawl draped around her décolleté makes a dramatic sartorial statement, while those adorable cognac ankle strap heels leave an especially memorable impression. Finalizing this get up, the super trendy striped belt effortlessly cinches her waist and the espresso clutch is just right for a romantic evening with the beau.

Our beautiful nista’s second pick proves exclusively wearing this opposing color couple above the waist still gives oodles of panache. Her vertical striped black and white tank is a great addition to any wardrobe. Wear it for an understated look on a muggy day like this nista or vogue it out in fabulous layers on a crisp autumn morning. Merging the banded shirt with a dazzling high waisted flower-patterned skirt is sure to make any woman feel extra glamorous. Completing this ensemble, we spy strappy black heels –fashionable for any occasion and a sensational oversized belt, which looks right day or night.

In her final ensemble, this nista demonstrates black and white make a powerful visual statement. Sporting a cropped ivory blazer equip with exaggerated shoulders reminiscent of another era, she tempers it with an urbane pair of sable pencil pants. Continuing the theme of contrast echoed throughout this look, the slim fitting trousers beautifully offset her inflated upper sleeves; as the slender two-tone belt not only adds definition to her figure, but also reinforces the devastatingly sharp color scheme. Topping everything off with a pair of snakeskin stilettos, this winning combination will seamlessly take her from the desk to dinner.

Do you enjoy pairing black and white?
What are your favorite color combinations?

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“One can pretty much pull off anything as long as they have the confidence to back it up.”

[gender.female]

[location.united states]

When did your unique style start to develop?

"About three years ago when I went to a new school, I decided I wanted a change. I started putting things together differently and I stopped over-matching. The artists I started listening to, like M.I.A., definitely made an impact. When I first started developing my style, I was super inspired by the 80's. I loved big hair (still do), bright colors, Vans, and piled-on jewelry. Now, as I am getting older, I am approaching style at different angles. I still love the fun 80's, but I want to dress up a little more. I don't mind wearing black or grey with pops of color. A couple of years ago, I thought that wearing the color black didn't fit me or that I wouldn't stand out. I now know that one can pretty much pull off anything as long as they have the confidence to back it up.”

Anything in your closet you regret buying?

"I can't say that I do. When I buy things and feel regret right after I leave the store, I just think to myself, ‘I'll make it work, there must be a reason I bought it.’ More often than not, I regret NOT buying things.”

Most fashionable show on television?

"I love Project Runway! I always find myself making things or putting together outfits as they are doing the challenges. Other than that, the only current show about fashion that I watch is How Do I Look on The Style Network. Ironically, that's a show about people with not so great fashion gaining a better sense of style. There's nothing like a great transformation. The host, Jeannie Mai has cool style and awesome black hair with an undertone of blue! To be completely honest, old sitcoms like A Different World and The Cosby Show (one of my style inspirations, the character Denise Huxtable, was on both) suit my taste just fine.”

“If I don’t know what to wear I end up wearing ____________.”

"Black skinny jeans from Urban Outfitters, a simple tee, any of my various blazers or cardigans, Doc Martens, and a piece of jewelry; my safety pin necklace or my armor style ring are perfect for outfits that are thrown together in a short amount of time.”

How do you feel about mixing black and brown?

"Black and brown can be an interesting combo. I think that it can easily be pulled off in a mixed prints look. For anyone that is not sure of putting the two together, I say that it is safest to start with a leopard or cheetah prints. It's a fool-proof way to sneak both in. After that, you can add as much or as little black and brown as you want!”

Anything Else?

"More of my style is featured at my Chictopia.com account, Fierceloverock and my Weardrobe account, Pursuit of Fashion. I have a Tumblr, Things We Love in Life, but it's a place for inspirations, not necessarily a personal style blog.”

What to Wear to a Fashion Show

Of course, we could not let one of the most stylish times of the year -New York Fashion Week, slip by without mention. Whether you are scheduled to attend some of the closing festivities or patiently waiting for next season’s celebration, we’re here to help refine your sartorial choices.


Outfit
Remember YOU are not sashaying down the runway, so don’t feel the need to sport an haute couture masterpiece. Opt for a timeless and sophisticated look. Dresses are an easy way to elegance; don one in a bold color like carrot and you’ll be a style standout just like our nista. Topping her button up garment off with a leopard patterned bow offers a taste of spice; as the band of ivory necklaces casually keep it all together.

On the other hand, if you crave chic layers, experiment with a funky blazer. By wearing a head turning cheetah print stunner for her second look, she breathes new life into an enduring wardrobe staple. Tempering the bold jacket with another closet essential –the fresh ivory oxford shirt and a coquettish black skirt, she’s ready to hobnob with the fashion elite.

Shoes

Fashion shows are a prime time to throw on your higher than thou stilettos. After all, those tooties will receive a much needed break as you sit with all of the glitterati drooling over the must haves of next season. Of course, if flats are your favorite, then exuding a powerful fashion statement is achievable like today’s nista. Those charming coffee colored strap sandals perfectly harmonize with her carroty hued dress in the first photo; while her chic sable flats in the second sartorial selection aid in completing this urbane ensemble.

Bag
Of course, a chic bag fully equip with your phone will satisfy the urge to text your bestie after eyeing all those jaw dropping gowns storming the runway. Both of our nista’s selections –the petite Louis Vuitton chocolate clutch and that slinky scarlet shoulder bag, provide loads of fashion and function under the star studded tents. Grab whatever tickles your fancy, but leave the knock offs in the closet. Try upping the style quotient with a fab designer handbag in a pulsating hue –it’s sure to leave voguish tongues wagging.

Did you attend any NYFW activities?

Did you attend FNO in your town?

What did you wear?

Who had the best collection so far?

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"It’s one thing to be inspired, but you need to be original as well."

[gender.female]

[location.united states]

What takes up the most space in your closet?

"Shoes, skirts, and cardigans; now that fall is near, I will be buying more of those items!"

Is it important for you to have fashionable friends?

"No! I don’t determine a friendship or a relationship based on whether the person is fashionable or not. That is pretty silly."

How do you feel about white shoes?

"I rarely wear white shoes."

Do you make your own clothing?

"Absolutely not. I don’t even know how to properly use a needle and a thread, but I would love to learn how to alter and create new pieces out of old fabrics and garments."

Someone copies your look. How do you respond?

"The purpose of me having a blog and joining lookbook.nu is to inspire others; but I don’t want someone flat out duplicating and copying my look. It’s one thing to be inspired but you need to be original as well."

Check her out at:
On The Q Train.

Today’s post is dedicated to a timeless garment nestled right alongside that sleek black pump, crisp oxford shirt, and trench coat in every fashionistas closet –the A-line dress. Named after the silhouette’s striking resemblance to the first letter of the alphabet, an A-line dress is a universal piece offering instant comfort and sophistication.

How to wear an A-line dress

Our gorgeous nista is sporting a fun and flirty A-line dress in a vivid shade of rose. The simplicity of the garment effortlessly compliments her sable belt and heels, in addition to further accentuating the item’s rich and saturated color. Her straightforward chunky gold bracelet and accompanying gold globe earrings provide a charming and adorable touch. Also, this nista’s waist cincher helps to give balance to the flared hemline. To avoid a shapeless look, pair your A-line dress with a funky belt, adding instant definition to your ensemble.

Of course, the style potential for an A-line dress is endless. Dress it up with a marvelous heel, a cute cardigan, and elegant pearls or dress it down with a relaxed scarf and suede boots. Whether sophisticated or casual, this whimsical garb is a show stopping sensation.

Do you like to wear A-line dresses?

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"I personally think the little black dress is overrated!"

[gender.female]

[location.united states]

What's the number one thing a woman should have in her closet?

"A dress that reflects her personality. Not necessarily black. I personally think the little black dress is overrated."

What is your personal style philosophy?

"I honestly don't consider myself stylish. How I dress, do my hair and makeup, and what not is more of a reflection of my way of thinking and current artistic endeavors. I do have a vivid mind, so I like to experiment with fabrics, materials, paint etc...but then again, I do think style is dressing as you feel fits your personality best. So maybe I am stylish after all!"

What one item takes up the most room in your closet?

"Dresses. I have so many dresses..and jackets…and shoes…and vintage bags."

Would you rather dress up or down?

"I rather dress up than down, will never be a label whore, and damn it have fun with it!"

Anything Else?

"I just wrapped up my new fall 2010 jewelry collection, which won't be in stores for a few months, but we are taking inquiries and will keep you informed when it becomes available to the public. Until then have fun with our reworked vintage one of a kind, and original designs on http://www.rue107. Thank you so much for the support!"

Today’s adorable nista offers a great lesson on the many ways to wear a belt. No longer a tool used solely to keep pants in place, modern belts offer a punch of versatility and originality –in addition to loads of style. Every fashion plate must invest in a collection of belts. From thick to thin or luscious leather to sweet satin, a belt is the finishing touch to many an outfit. Can’t dish out the dough to boost your belting wardrobe? No problem, besides being an affordable outlet, thrift stores are a great resource to find everything from retro to contemporary styles.

Cinch the waist

Using a belt to cinch in the waist is a classic way to incorporate this versatile accessory into your everyday apparel. It not only draws the eye to your midsection, but offers an instant slimming effect by highlighting the trimmest part of your figure. Let’s turn our attention to Ms. Nista’s first ensemble. Wearing a daring look, perfect for a night on the town, she grabs a neutral belt to execute this fashion technique perfectly. Her pencil thin cincher is doing double duty, not only perfectly nipping the waist, but also tightly securing her barely there wing tipped floral vest. The lower half of the outfit consists of a leopard print corseted pencil skirt accented by burgundy pumps. Now I know what you’re thinking, “She’s wearing TWO different patterns.” In a previous post I commented on the ways to effectively don prints. However, if you insist on being a fashion rebel, take a cue from our stylish lady and balance out the divergent fabrics with some skin. The key is to not wear print from HEAD TO TOE. Showing your shapely legs or amazing arms is crucial to making this look work. Finally, the pillbox hat with shades of tan, plum, and burgundy add a charming and delightful finishing touch to this winning ensemble.

Bring up the waist

Going for a long and lean look? Hiking up your belt is an ideal way to make your fabulous legs seem a mile long. Donning a pair of plum pants held up by a bright and delicate apple belt, our fearless fashionista’s second ensemble provides the illusion of a high natural waist. Her shirt –a vertical black and white stripe confection, also adds to the ensemble’s overall lengthening effect. When selecting the precise blouse to compliment your lofty attire, choose a piece that is effortlessly tucked in. A form fitting body suit or shirt made of a smooth fabric like silk is best.


Alter fit

Transforming a large garment, into a modish outfit is easy with the help of a stylish belt. For her final outfit, our nista takes an oversized red and mustard V-neck geometric print dress with mucho potential, grabs a chocolate belt and –voila; instant retro chic! Again, the position of the belt, in this case on her hips, aids in elongating the body and slimming the silhouette. She tops this sartorial selection off with a pair of cute ivory boots, a gang of gold chains, and a delightful black hat.

How do you use belts to enhance your wardrobe?

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"How can anything look good & fashionable if it doesn't fit well?"

[gender.female]

[location.germany]

What clothing stores would you like to see in your town?

"I wish I had a TopShop in town. I hate ordering online because I like to see how clothes fit me. Some things look different on different people.”

Can fashion be affordable?

"Yes, I think fashion can be affordable. If you keep your eyes open, you can find very cool pieces at H&M or Zara. That is what I do most of the time. Another good tip: Shops of young designers. They sell very fashionable clothes for little money. If you are in Munich, Germany, I suggest Machima."

Is fit important when it comes to fashion?

"Of course it is. How can anything look good and fashionable if it doesn't fit well?"

Talk about your first-ever "aha" fashion moment?

"I tried to find it but I can't remember. But I recall my last one. I'm so into shoes… so when I saw these creamy plateau boots at Zara that was really an "AHA" moment for me."

This lovely nista exemplifies the importance of fit in making an ensemble work. Donning a stunning gold buckled belt with chain detailing to cinch in the waist turns an otherwise oversized garment into a svelte and slinky summer must have. The pewter knee highs matched with her short chocolate tresses add a coquettish flair. In a daring move, she topped the outfit off with a charming grey wedge bootie wrapped in suede –a fabric customarily worn during the more blistery months. However, her elegance and confidence make it work!

The second outfit with its bold and vibrant floral pattern exudes a lighthearted and playful flair; the perfect look for those easy breezy summer days. In a quandary over what to wear when it’s warm? Slip on a dress. As this nista demonstrates, it’s effortless and elegant. Missed your pedicure appointment? Don’t fret. Grab a pair of cute wedge booties, like the ones above and casual observers will be none the wiser.

Check her out at

buschprinzessin.com.

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