“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?

rss | facebook | bloglovin | tumblr | twitter | chictopia

"Kudos to all who can pull this look off!"

[gender.female]

[location.canada]

How did you get interested in fashion?

"To be honest, I’ve always been interested in fashion. I remember watching Naomi Campbell (you know back then, everything she touched was gold) on TV when I was younger, walking down the runway in all her to-die-for outfits! But I think it really started during my transitioning stage from teenager to young adult! I find that my style has evolved greatly and includes more trendy and classic/chic pieces. However I've become even more interested thanks to the world of bloggers. I draw inspiration from them all, especially Paris fashionistas; they know how to swag it out!"

How do you balance being fashionably and financially chic?

"I believe that you can be chic on just about any budget! My closet is twenty percent thrifted, forty percent classic, forty trendy (just a breakdown on how I spend my money). I buy what I like; sometimes it’s about quality and sometimes it’s just because I like it and WANT it! For me I will splurge on a bag or a shoe, NEVER clothes! Trends go in and out, so at the end of the day it's always what I like (even if I’m trendy as hell)! You don’t have to splurge to look good but you must admit it feels good when it’s something you’re madly in love with, (I've had those guilty pleasures before)!"

Which celebrity should start a fashion line?

"That’s a tough one! I prefer street style more than celeb style only because you get to see how other people put their personalities into their every day looks (raw and unedited fashion) whereas celebs have their own stylist! So it’s not really a reflection of them even if they do look good in half the stuff they wear! But to answer the question, I’d say it boils down to these two fashionistas: Gwyneth Paltrow and my girl Rihanna! Gwyneth, for her amazing shoe game and effortless chic looks and Rihanna, the trendy girl who breaks all the rules! Girly with a bit of edge – I love that combo!"

What is something you would never wear?

"SOCKS and SHOES! Not because I don’t like it; I actually adore the look, it reminds me of childhood. But I can’t seem to pull it off. I’ve played around with many looks and I’m just not feeling it! I prefer when other people wear it, that way I can admire it on them! Kudos to all who can pull this look off!"

Last fashion item you returned?

"Hmmmmm? I returned an H&M 'Chanel inspired' cropped blazer because I saw a better version at Zara!"

Anything Else?

"Look out for a few upcoming projects from moi. I don’t want to spill the beans, but I will be creating my own customized t-shirts soon (really cool stuff) and a few giveaways, so look out for that on my fashion blog, Shop Now Save Later! My biggest wish is to be backstage at Paris Fashion Week as the models personal hairstylist (since I am a hairstylist) and kicking back in the front row drooling over all the must have collections on the catwalk!"

2 Must Have Jackets for Fall

Denim jacket
The foundation of our adorable stylista’s first wardrobe pick is her sleek denim jacket in a light wash. This versatile garment seamlessly harmonizes with a variety of looks. In this instance, she teams it up with a coquettish floral skirt, fitted pewter tank top, and camel heels –creating an innocent and playful vibe. Instead of a sarong and a basic tee, link your jean jacket up with a cool pair of khaki pants and a nubby sweater for those chilly mornings or perhaps a slinky dress and ankle boots for lunch with the boyfriend. Whatever you choose, keep in mind denim on denim is passé; so leave those low rise jeans in the closet.

Blazer
Blazers are one of the most resourceful items in any woman’s wardrobe. This essential piece is perfect for the annual office party in December, a fun night out on the town in May, or any other fashionable occasion throughout the year. Making it work takes only a few voguish items above and below the belt.

As our stylista demonstrates in the second ensemble, blazers can offer structure while highlighting a svelte silhouette. The contouring of her ebony jacket beautifully contrasts with the rocker chic tone of those ripped ivory denim jeans and dark aviator sunglasses; while her black bustier and studded lapel add a funky and feminine flair. The rebel panache of this look is in direct contrast to her final sartorial pick –which exudes a charmingly casual aura. Donning a blazer in that remarkable shade of pink lends a much needed womanly touch to this traditionally male garment. The looser cut of her jacket and relaxed fit rolled up denims are the epitome of chic yet comfortable.

What do you like to wear with denim jackets?

What do you like to wear with blazers?

rss | facebook | bloglovin | tumblr | twitter | chictopia

"Well, I love every minute of my 'insanity'."

[gender.female]

[location.south africa]

Do you enjoy the looks and attention that

come with standing out in the crowd?

“Yes, I do love the attention even though people who don’t understand me think that I dress the way I do because I am seeking attention. People think I am insane sometimes. Well, I love every minute of my 'insanity'."

What words best describes your style?

“Simply fierce.”

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

"I am a vintage freak. The 1920's and 1960's era inspire me a lot. My late grandmother was best dressed in her time and she is also my source of inspiration."

Have you ever looked into the mirror and thought
something was too over the top?

“Like I said earlier, being different is who I am. I do like quirky clothes, clothes only a person with courage would wear.”

If you want to learn how to pull off a retro inspired look, visit our nista’s blog: www.thequirkystylista.blogspot.com. She’ll show you much better than I can tell you!

rss | bloglovin | tumblr | twitter | chictopia

"Style and prestige are two different things."

[gender.female]

[location.canada]

Where are some of your favorite places to purchase jewelry?

"One particular store I love is Ardene’s (it's a jewelry store). However, I would say my jewelry is a mixture of different stores. I'm not someone who heads specifically to certain stores to purchase jewelry. I just land on great pieces while I'm looking around."

How important is price when shopping for clothing?

"It has to be something that I can afford. Why buy a $300.00 dress when I can get six pieces for the same price? I'm not someone who is particularly interested in having designer brands, just because it is Louis Vuitton. Style and prestige are two different things."

How do you decrease the pain associated with wearing high heels?

"Oh my, no remedies... Beauty is PAIN, just have to endure it!"

What colors inspire you?

"Bold colors."

Does hair play a role in your sartorial selections?

“Definitely. Hair is a woman's crowning glory.”

Anything Else?

“My blog: http://barbiousfashionblog.blogspot.com/ .”

Sporting a superb geometric plum and ivory print blouse, today’s beautiful nista understands how to make patterns work in her wardrobe.

Notice how the rest of her outfit is comprised of neutral hues –wheat shorts, charcoal shoes, and a cognac bag. Since, the bold and vivid top is doing all of the work, she tempered it with subtle, yet elegant accessories. Every nista knows balance is one of the cardinal rules of fashion. Generally, head to toe print is not only unflattering but tawdry.

Also, when wearing a patterned top, keeping the jewelry minimal is best. No necklace is needed in this instance. A chic and simple bracelet or ring will do. Our exquisite nista’s chocolate globe earrings add a charming and casual touch.

Still not convinced you can make it work? Start off slow. Don a fabulous leopard print flat, grab a vintage floral handbag, or drape on a plaid scarf before hitting the office.

Do you like prints?
What is your favorite print?
How do you wear prints?

rss | bloglovin | tumblr | twitter | chictopia