"I am not a fan of Rihanna's hair but her personal style is like a ready-to-wear version of what Lady GaGa does."

[gender.female]

[location.united states]

How do you organize your closet?

"I have two closets, one for my casual/daywear pieces and one for my business/evening wear. I organize each closet in a backwards layering order: outerwear/jackets, cardigans/vests, dresses, tops, skirts/trousers, and then belts. I also organize each section in color order with neutrals such as black, gray, brown, and white first; then sections in order of the rainbow."

Stores you wish were in your town?

"I wish there was an H&M, Zara, TopShop, ReDress, and better thrift stores. It's so hard to find plus sizes in my local thrift shops, so I wish there was a specialized one in my town. Oh, and a Forever 21 that has a Faith 21 in the store."

Best-dressed celebrities?

"Rihanna, Keri Hilson, 70s and 80s Diana Ross, 80s and 90s Madonna, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Lady GaGa and Kim Kardashian are on my best dressed list. All of these entertainers have signature looks but are not afraid to try new things. Keri Hilson and Rihanna are very much into the rocker inspired looks, which doesn't seem forced. I am not a fan of Rihanna's hair but her personal style is like a ready-to-wear version of what Lady GaGa does. Diana Ross in the 70s and 80s was very bohemian glam, with the sparkles and big hair. She is still extremely gorgeous and maintains the same appeal today through her daughter Tracy Ellis Ross. I am a huge fan of Marilyn Monroe because she defined that sexy Hollywood glamour, while Audrey Hepburn defined classic Hollywood style. I also love the creativity of Madonna from the 80s and 90s because she had fun with her looks and dared to be different. Lady GaGa gets my vote because she's like the Madonna cone bra look on acid. She is so avant-garde and it's almost like looking at a fantasy when she's on and off stage. Kim Kardashian embraces her curves, whether it's in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt or a Herve Leger dress. She embodies a slight minimalist look but with stand out accessories."

What are your favorite stores to find bargains?

"I love going to little teen stores, such as Wet Seal, Body Shop, and Max Rave for simple t-shirts. I also shop at Charlotte Russe and Forever 21 for more trendy items. However, the best bargains are in thrift stores, such as Goodwill. I go to this one in my town; it's sponsored by CASA, which stands for Community Action Stops Abuse. It's a thrift store that uses its revenue to support the organization. I've found great items, such as blazers and shorts, for like $6.00. Also, I found two cute purses for $6.00 and $4.00. I also get my costume and trendy jewelry from places like Girlprops.com and random wholesale jewelry stores."

What are some styles you would like to wear but haven’t yet?

"I would love to wear wedge closed-toe booties in black and/or leopard print, rompers, harem pants, and faux fur jackets. Lately, I've really been into the shorts and tights look again for fall/winter too. I so desperately have been on the search for a pair of classic Levis with a straight leg in my size to wear cuffed and eventually turn into shorts………maybe."

Anything else?

"I am currently training to become a personal shopper/personal stylist. I am hoping to intern for a willing company and work my way up. For now, I'm still a full time student. I recently completed a 2-day crash course in the business side of Fashion Styling at a seminar called The School of Style with wardrobe stylist Luke Storey (from LA). Also, I am working on updating my blog, Love, Fashion, and Finding Me. Thanks again for the interview opportunity!"

Blazers – a fashion staple that stands the test of time

Blazers are a fashion staple that continually stands the test of time. An essential piece of apparel in the modern woman’s wardrobe, these must have jackets keep it clean and sleek when worn to the office, singlehandedly top off casual weekend wear, and see you through the unpredictable transitional weather of
late summer and early fall. Not sure how to integrate this timeless item into your daily attire? Look no further than today’s lovely nista for some style inspiration.

Feminine from every angle thanks to her structured blazer in a stunning shade of fuchsia, our beautiful nista’s career oriented garment shows she’s ready for business. It’s the ideal versatility piece –taking her from the desk to dinner in a flash. The base of the jacket –a sleek, floral button up shirt is the perfect flirty meets relaxed combo; a cool contrast to the blazer’s professional vibe. Tucking her festive blouse in a pair of rolled up jean shorts of the medium wash variety; this nista is effortlessly casual, since her high waisted denims lend themselves naturally to day wear. To keep the fashion focus on her brightly hued blazer, she opts for monochromatic lower limbs with a fresh pair of black tights and accompanying sable lace up oxfords –giving her legs for miles! Completing the look with an effortlessly modern pewter tote bag and avant-garde, mustard wayfarer sunglasses –could our nista be any more stylish?

Who says blazers must be solid? If you want to make a style statement like our gorgeous nista in her second look, try a jovial jacket that’s sure to add a splash of visual impact. Her beautifully ornate blazer, adorned in chic and vibrant beads of turquoise and magenta is sure to capture your attention. The sophisticated yet slightly bohemian design is truly stunning. Also, certain to light up her evening are a pair of posh cobalt suede pumps –an elegant choice no matter the occasion. To ensure her plush heels and lavish blazer get top billing in the fashion spotlight, our nista opts for an all black foundation, with several silhouette enhancing pieces, including a classic tank top, must have mini skirt, and all purpose leggings. Finally, nothing is complete without her leather clutch in a voguish shade of wine –ideal for an understated look; while her low key sable fedora is an easy way to inject a dose of chic downtown minimalism into the outfit.

The great thing about a blazer is its versatility. Available in a variety of colors, cuts and fabrics, there’s sure to be one out there to suit your sartorial tastes. Go for a hip jacket in an unexpected shade or material, like our nista’s final ensemble. The retro inspired wool blazer featuring several shades of purple, from lilac to violet Our nista’s her graphic t-shirt and vintage denim shorts are sure to put a relaxed spin to her day; while those classic, opaque black tights place her right on the fashion mark. She adds final touches of sophistication with a dazzling pair of black, strappy high heels that appear oh so charming on her feet and a fedora reminiscent of yesteryear.

What are your favorite items to wear with blazers?
What are some of your favorite colors, cuts, and styles?

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"The real you is far better than the fake somebody else."

[gender.female]

[location.united states]

Favorite color combinations?

"I adore black with anything. All black everything preferably. As far as colors, I typically go with looks that are mismatched. I feel as though matching limits creativity in many ways. Blue is also one of my favorite colors."

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

"Never put yourself in a box! More often than not, people are afraid to be themselves –for fear of being judged. Those who are afraid of being judged just go along with the trends, which is such a horrible idea. You can never be an individual if you worry about what others think of your style all of the time. Most importantly, do your own thing! Nothing is worse than copying another individual's style. Style comes from within. Never attempt to live another person's life on the exterior. That really pains my soul. The real you is far better than the fake somebody else."

What stores do you wish were in your town?

"H&M, American Apparel (just for quality, plain t-shirts, hoodies, and tights/leggings), and more VINTAGE STORES. I love vintage shopping with a bunch of my heart and my current town only has a few to offer. I honestly don't do too much shopping in stores, unless I’m grabbing a pair of jeans; and there is a Nordstrom’s nearby to handle that for me."

Describe your personal style philosophy?

"I don't necessarily have a philosophy for my personal style. I'm human. I change. As I change and transition, so does my style. Although my style changes and transitions there will never be a point in time where someone would look at me and say ‘That's unlike Rosco.’ People that know me, understand me."

Anything else?

"What should readers know about me? Follow me and Lia Day's blog, Ill Advised Nonconformist. Also, if anyone needs an image consultant/personal stylist or an artist to create a wonderful piece of work, hit me up at spearsro@gmail.com OR twitter.com/RoscoSpears."

Our lovely nista is an explosion of color in her first ensemble. Kicking it off with a basic carrot tank top, she keeps it comfortable and casual for the season. Contrasting her unadorned shirt with a sleek hot pink and sable hounds tooth patterned scarf adds attitude and texture to her upper half. Below the waist, this nista’s delicious lemon tulle skirt is catwalk-inspired but surprisingly wearable; while her violet fishnet tights add a gutsy and spirited touch to her vivid look. Completing this multihued outfit with indigo and ivory low top sneakers provide an androgynous touch to this uniquely feminine ensemble.

The rainbow of style continues with this beautiful nista’s second wardrobe selection. A charming crimson varsity jacket with contrasting black sleeves is a perfect nod to the enduring school girl look. Teaming this collegiate inspired garment up with a form fitting ebony shirt makes for the ideal foundation when going for a chic layered ensemble. Not to be missed are the checkered pattern on her mustard and black tights, which take this everyday style choice into more adventurous terrain. Rounding out this colorful get up are sneakers inspired by the classic board game, Monopoly –adding a playful and unconventional twist to her footwear.

Not sold on a multihued ensemble? Our gorgeous nista’s final look might convince you otherwise. Her cute oat jacket is perfect for wearing to work; whereas those cut off denim shorts are a great relaxed counterpart to that professional top. She keeps it chic during worrisome weather with her delightful kelly green scarf and can’t miss salmon tights. Finishing her look with a ruby cross body bag lets us know she’s ready for business!

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"I avoid cracks in the pavement at all times."

[gender.female]

[location.united states]

How did you get interested in fashion?

"My interest in fashion began in eighth grade when everyone but me read magazines like, Vogue and Teen Vogue. After that I got subscriptions to nearly every fashion magazine I could afford. By ninth grade, I really got into fashion and I signed up for Chictopia.com as soon as it opened! From there, my style has changed and matured!"

How do you feel about knockoffs?

"Knockoffs that are TOTALLY obvious like a Dooney & Burke purse that has D&V instead of D&B bother me. I actually used to have one of those a long time ago.”

What films or television shows inspire your style?

"I'm actually really bad at getting inspiration from TV and movies. I'm not a movie person. But I do love the movie Pretty Woman. It fuels my obsession with the nineties."

How careful are you with clothes?

"I think I'm about as careful with my clothes just as much as any girl would be. While walking in spike heels, I avoid cracks in the pavement at all times. I only wash my jeans or pants after I wear them a couple of times."

How long does it take you to get ready?

"I spend way too much time getting dressed mainly because I don't pick out my clothes the night before. While I'm trying stuff on, I'm surfing through inspiration on lookbook.nu and Chictopia.com. It's a bad habit. The days I prepare my outfit the night before go great most of time -or I just end up changing everything I start with; and then there's my hair...which takes forever."

Anything Else?

"Thank you so much! That was fun!"
Check her out at:
je suis tiana b.

Searching the racks of your ever so modest closet for a chic piece that never goes out of style AND matches everything? Well, look no further than those lovely hues in the neutral clan. That overlooked grey pea coat, forgotten white silk scarf, neglected black wide leg pants, and castaway brown ruffled blouse are all dripping with oodles of fashion potential. With her two show stopping ensembles, today’s stunning nista helps us understand how to effortlessly master the art of combining neutrals.

How to Wear Neutrals From Head to Toe
By sporting an oxford shirt and fanciful skirt in her initial look, she proves ivory and sky blue are simply divine together. Also, note how the buttons of her blouse harmonize with her skirt. In the sartorial world details are where the magic happens. Shimmering belt buckles, handbag hardware, handy zippers and other notions provide overlooked opportunities to make an outfit stand out from the crowd.

Contrasting colors make a powerful fashion statement. Of course, all bona fide fashionistas understand this technique –our stylish lady is no exception. That’s why she slips on those too cute ebony tights to pop against her snow hued skirt. When it comes to neutrals, experiment with a paler hue like pearl and cream against a rich navy or deep chocolate for dramatic effect. Our nista’s camel colored brim diva hat offers a hint of glamour and excitement; while her dapper black blazer and sleek cognac belt perfectly tie everything together. As you can see, she stylishly turns that pesky myth of the dull and boring all neutral outfit on its ugly head.

In a previous post, we discussed the many ways to wear the color sable in order to create an air of sophistication. Today, our beautiful nista furthers that conversation. The epitome of classic chic in her second look, she sports super stylish black apparel with slits of ivory –perfect for a day at the office. The black and white horizontal striped sweater tank makes a striking visual statement; while her must have ebony heels and timeless pencil skirt aptly highlight her slender silhouette. By throwing on an urbane leather jacket for those chilly mornings, she’s ready to take on the world.

Committed to bold colors, so all neutral attire not your style? Experiment with a funky ebony sandal or perhaps a camel fedora to tone down a vivid outfit while adding a bit of structure.

Do you like to wear neutral colors?
What are your favorite neutral shades?

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"I fear I'll become addicted!"

[gender.female]

[location.united states]

What is your most memorable fashion moment?

"My memorable fashion moments are often times when I have to get dressed in a quickie and put together a fashion master piece, so comfortable and so chic, that I could've never created it the night before! I’m always so impressed at my ability to do that!"

Does your interest in fashion extend to other areas of your life?

"If you are asking do I desire someday to be in the fashion industry –a designer, a model, etc … definitely not! I just love clothes and shopping! I love to have clothes in excess, I hate being that person who looks in their closet and can never find anything to wear! Following trends is just a hobby of mine, obviously not a very healthy one; I fear I'll become addicted!"

What do you do when your clothes don’t fit?

"I love it when I’m swimming in my tops; I guess it gives an illusion that I’m slimmer than I really am! My favorite thing to do with big clothing is to cinch it up with a belt, for a more put together look or to let it hang loose, which creates a more care free and cool look! I almost never buy bottoms where the waist lines are big, but I love loose fitted pants like sweats and harems."

What things do you look for when buying quality items?

"I can’t always tell off the bat whether the materials or clothing that I purchase are of good quality, but after a wash or so it becomes obvious. I wish I could say the more expensive an article, the better the quality, but that’s not true in all cases!! However an article that is flimsy as oppose to sturdy is probably not worth getting, chances are it will shrink or look old after just one wash! Clothing with loose threads is also a sign of cheaply manufactured products. I’m not against non quality articles; honestly I buy quality and non quality. Recognizing when a product is not of quality and applying the gentle care that it needs in order to sustain it is key to buying non quality clothing!"

Favorite type of shoe?

"My favorite type of shoes I would have to say are shoes with thick heels, thick platforms, and wedges [whether boots, sandals, sling backs, peep toes, etc]. I find them to be more manageable and comfortable since I’m an amateur when it comes to walking in heels. Shoes with thick platforms are just the absolute BEST, because they give an illusion that the shoes are really high, but in reality the in-step is not so steep and so you often get sexy but comfortable!"

Two great ways to flaunt your legs this fall

Think you can only show your gams on warmer days? Think again. Don’t shove those cute summer dresses into the back of your closet just yet. Autumn is the perfect time of year to highlight your lower limbs. In the second installment of our Transitioning to Fall series, we turn our attention to leg wear options for the upcoming season. From textured tights to form fitting leggings and highly saturated stockings, fall hosiery offers a multitude of ways to express your stylish side.

How to wear tights

For our beautiful nista’s first sartorial selection, her textured ebony lace tights are the highlight of this stunning ensemble; while the upper portion of the look –a two tiered solid black skirt, checkered peacock blue blouse, and chunky floral necklace, are relatively simple pieces. As this nista proves, basic is best when pairing garments with textured tights. Opt for a flirty monochromatic dress in burgundy or an unadorned ivory silk blouse with your ornate hosiery. As always, keep your size in mind while venturing into textured stocking territory. Petite nistas, lean toward tinier patterns that compliment a smaller frame; while bigger patterns aptly compliment larger nistas.

If textured tights are not your thing, try an explosion of color. While donning a neutral shirt or skirt, spice up your outfit with hues traditionally associated with the season –plum, orange, mustard, and olive. On the other hand, go for caramel, sable, or charcoal stems when sporting color on top.

How to wear leggings

Let’s focus on our glamorous nista’s second look, in which she sports another fall leg wear staple –leggings. A casual item back on the style radar, these hip huggers present a smorgasbord of sartorial options. However, balance is key to making it work. As this nista so fashionably proves with her olive cardigan, skin-tight leggings look best with long and loose tops that cover the derrière; so save the snug shirts for another ensemble. Of course, no chic outfit is complete without a killer shoe; today’s nista does not disappoint in this arena. Tucking her leggings into a comfy pair of chestnut lace up booties provides a relaxed yet modish vibe, perfect for the busy stylista on the go. Instead of boots, you can team your body-hugging trousers with some charming flats or even a simple pump.

Will you wear tights this fall?

Are leggings apart of your wardrobe this season?

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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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