discovery 1 & 2

Skinny jeans:
For years I was basically scared/prejudiced of skinny jeans. "Only skinny girls can wear those. I don't have the right body type." At least that's what I would tell myself. Well I tried some on the other day, more of a joke than anything. And I was pleasantly surprised. I like skinny jeans?!! Oh, I wish I had known this before.


Vests:
I had tried on a vest before, but never bought one because I wasn't sure if they suited me. Now, I've decided that I will make it suit me. I think that's part of fashion. Even if it isn't the absolute best, you still try it out, change it up a bit, and evolve your own personal style. Today I came across I blog, Already Pretty, where she described her style as arty eclectic with streaks of retro influences. I love that, and thus did the only respectable thing thinkable. I stole it and used it for my description on this blog. Sometimes I wonder if my closet has an occasional identity crisis. I have so many different kinds of clothes, from '50s inspired dresses to converse and skinny jeans. But I'm glad I have a variety: some days I want to dress a little bit more funky, and others I want to pretend to be a 50's housewife in a gingham black and white dress, pearls and heels.


Oh and one more thing, don't be afraid to try a variety of sizes. For example the purple shirt is an XL, but I have a jacket that I wear that is as small as a 4!


vest: Maurice's
gray shirt: target
purple shirt: department store?? (eyeshadow label)
skinny jeans: kohl's

shoes: DSW

Essentials

• That little black dress. (but not too little!) Still talking classy here.
• Trench-coat. Nothing beats having that sash to pull taut. Or you can opt for a pea-coat (I have both :) Make sure your coat is a fairly neutral color.
• At least one pair of heels. Make 'em red, and you can pop any monochromatic outfit.
• A stylish full suit, preferably one that can be worn year round.
• Sundress. This can actually be worn year-round, just pair it with jeans!
• Skirts are an absolute must when trying to be as classy as say Jackie O.
• Pearls! Real or fake. Long or short. Pink or white.
• A fashionable good sized purse for everything that you carry around.
• Headband, scarf or hat. Not everyone can pull off a hat, but you should do something with your hair.
• Button-up shirt. At least one white crisp shirt...need to find one yet...oops!
• Boots. Cowboy boots, snow boots, knee-high boots...oh the possibilities! (but no Ugg's!)
• Leggings. WARNING: not to be substituted for pants. Use these when its just too chilly to wear just a skirt or dress, or you just want to add some color.

...and this list could go on. Try to get as much as you can, and just keep building. I don't have everything yet, and I'm writing this post

:-)

Guidelines...

• Shop during sales! I mean really, who doesn't want more?
• Buy clothes that fit, not what you want to fit.
• Things don't have to be "matchy"--hello complements!
• Don't be afraid to wear a hat! But make sure it is classy, people will look.
• Don't be afraid to be "overdressed." It is much better than not dressed up enough.
• Accessorizing is not a bad thing, just don't overkill.
• Wearing multiple necklaces is certainly acceptable.
• Mix up your clothes. Don't always wear the purple shirt with jeans, try it with a brown skirt! Change up what kind of shoes you wear. (I used to hate converse, up until last year)
• Make your own jewelry. I made a necklace out of a long chain, guitar pick, broken zipper, old college id, and a safety pin.
  
• Change your "style." One day I'm preppy, the next day I'm punk. (well kinda :)
• Let vintage inspire. There is a reason people still wear it, half a century later.
• When in doubt, don't wear stripes.
• Make a fashion blog :)
• But the number one rule is to SMILE! It adds so much. (cliche, but true)