fash·ion

fash·ion [fash-uhn]

noun

1. a prevailing custom or style of dress, etiquette, socializing, etc.

2. the make or form of anything.

3. a kind; sort.


femme [ˈfem]

noun

1. a woman.

Monday, December 31, 2012

Bye-Bye 2012...Hello Lucky Number '13!

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE FASHION FEMMES!

As I am sure you can imagine, NYE is a great time to play dress up
in the most magical way! SPARKLES! COLOR! FUN!

Tonight I am going out with friends to ring in the new year...but what to wear?
Since it has been super crazy at work recently (yes, I too have a "real" day job),
I haven't even thought about NYE...and frankly, forgot it was tonight!
So, time to take my own advise and 
SHOP MY OWN CLOSET!

It's a bit of a rainy day in Texas today...and kinda cold (ok, cold for a Texan). My plans 
will also involve me walking outdoors for about 10-20 minutes. So, keeping
all that in mind, that is how I plan on building my outfit.

I do love sparkles as y'all know, so I'm thinking of going with my sequin top...

Now...what do I do on bottom?

I am thinking I will do dressy black leggings, or maybe my black tuxedo shorts
with opaque black tights. I will definitely be wearing black
boots (it's rainy, so I don't wanna worry about my fancy heels getting all wet)!

Via Spiga over the knee boots...I wear these all the time.

And...as you all know, an arm full of bracelets!

I will let my shirt do most of the talking tonight...well, until I have a couple 
glasses of champagne then I will be the one talking!

What are y'all wearing tonight?

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Giving is the Greatest Look

Please support Bring Change 2 Mind

They are an amazing nonprofit who are changing the world.
Be apart of the change.

This holiday season, be beautiful, be thankful, be generous.

http://www.bringchange2mind.org/

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Holiday Sparkle Done Right

It is officially the holiday season. (*sigh* Yes, I feel that way too.) So, how do you
look festive without looking like a box of Christmas tree tinsel exploded on you?

PICK A POINT OF VIEW.

If you are going to do sparkle, metallics, or anything flashy,
pick one statement piece and keep everything else neutral.
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Sparkly Tops:
I have this top...and I love it entirely too much.
To be safe when wearing, I would pair it with plain black
leggings rather than the leather leggings (which I also own, but
would not wear with the sequin top).
------
This is a more subtle festive shirt. Yes, it has sequins, but it's
quite a bit more understated than the above top. This would
look awesome with black, wine, or sapphire pants.
------
Sparkly Shorts:
This is a great example of how to pair a neutral with
something flashy. Sequin shorts can quickly go from festive
to baton twirler in a matter of seconds. When doing a sequin
bottom, go VERY neutral on top.
------
I love everything about this ensemble and will recreate! (Guess
that means I have to go shopping...damn). The juxtaposition of the menswear
inspired top with the super feminine sequin shorts is just perfection.
This would also look great with some opaque tights.
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I like this all black look. Personally, I would recommend a 
simpler black sweater on top, but I love the monochromatic
look...especially with the opaque tights and booties!
------
Sparkly Dresses:
Sequin, glitter, and all around flashy dresses are everywhere
this time of year. A few words of caution...be careful not to pick
something that looks like a high school homecoming/prom dance dress.
Look for simple silhouettes, monochromatic colors, and age appropriate lengths.
You never want to look like you "tried" too hard...
REMEMBER:
BE TRUE TO YOURSELF!
That is the greatest fashion accessory you could ever have!
------
And, when in doubt...if you don't think you can pull off the
sequin clothing...go back to my accessories posts. A great sparkly
earring, ring, or necklace can make all the difference in the world!

Shoutout!

This post is dedicated to my girlfriend, Shannyn, who
is the definition of a "Fashion Femme"!

Rather than spending too much on a one time cocktail dress
that she'll never wear again, Shannyn opted for a more
budget friendly vintage dress for an event she attended. 

Way to be a true "Fashion Femme" Shannyn!

The BEAUTIFUL Shannyn
Note the sparkly statement earrings with the gorgeous
lace dress. Simple, elegant, and didn't break the bank.
Shannyn will have no problem paring this classic dress
with a cute denim blazer or cardigan, tights, and pumps
to change up the look as needed. 
Now it's y'alls turn! Send me your pics!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Texas Cowboy Chic

Formula One Racing has been in Austin this weekend.
It has been quite an experience to say the least!
Thursday night I attended a "Texas Cowboy Chic" party
to celebrate the Circuit of the Americas coming to Austin.

Being a Texan, "Cowboy Texas Chic" is just in my blood.
I wore a denim cowboy inspired shirt, a cognac leather skirt,
and of course my red cowboy boots, y'all! Texas-y...but not overdone.
Me
The after party concert: "The Best of Texas Music"
Lisa Niemi Swayze and I loving Willie Nelson!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Dear 1990's, I Love You.

This post is a shout out to 3 really awesome people I met this weekend.

It's hard to argue that the 1990's weren't an insanely awesome time for music...
but I also have a very special place in my heart for '90's fashion.

Grunge. Long Hair. Plaid Flannel. Ripped Jeans. Pearl Jam. Nirvana.

So, how do we bring the '90's into today?

'90's Trend #1: RIPPED JEANS
So I know some people will argue this trend is over,
but I don't mind ripped jeans if they're done correctly.
No, not the '90's baggy ripped jeans, but a skinny jean or a boyfriend jean.

I like the idea of this cute, relaxed weekend look, but I would have
paired it with boots instead of the flip-flops.
Skinny Jeans
 ------

I adore this runway look so so so much. I will never recommend matching denim on denim,
but the idea of this is classic cool. To make this work in the real world, choose either
a dark denim top with the lighter pants, or vice-versa.
Boyfriend Jeans
 ------

I love white jeans year round. The skinny with the subtle tears of the left image
is a cute, casual white denim look. The outfit on the right, I could live without, and so should you.
Skinny White
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'90's Trend #2: PLAID SHIRT
Plaid shirts are awesome. Plaid shirts are even more awesome when they
are tailored. Skip the over-sized '90's flannel and opt for a more fitted look.

I think any of the shirts below would look great with jeans, shorts, or any of the
above ripped jeans. But, beware, plaid shirt + ripped jeans can equal disaster
very quickly. Combine with caution!

I love everything about the image on the left. It's sexy casual
but in no way is it dated or over-sized.
The right image is for the person who is very confident in pulling
off two very distinct styles in one ensemble.
Plaid shirt as a "shirt jacket"
 ------
I think all three images here are good examples of plaid done right.
The shirts are fitted, the jeans have clean lines, and the accessories are understated
leaving all the attention on the plaid.

------
 Traditional plaid; cute and casual. To look a little less "lumber jack"
and a bit more feminine, add a small femme necklace and some earrings.
------
This feminine take on a plaid shirt is great for any lady wanting
to partake in plaid, but it's much less casual and can transition from
day at the office under a blazer to a night out with friends.

Now, who feels like listening to some Pearl Jam and jetting up to Seattle with me?

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

The Runway Pony

Whether you are running late, or it's just a "bad hair day,"
a pony tail is always a good option...that is, if it's FIXED.

I can't stand this trend of "I just rolled out of bed" pony tails. You know,
the ones that you see on most teens/college girls where it looks like they did every thing
in their power to make their hair look completely awful?
If it's going to be messy, make it messy with purpose.

Enter what I so lovingly call "The Runway Pony." A messy pony with purpose.

The "Retro" Runway Pony
 The "Retro" Runway Pony is what I do at least 3 times a week. I, being a Texas gal, love big hair.
But, I love big messy fixed hair even more! This is a modern take on a retro style. Tease your hair at the crown for volume in the back, pull out some hair in the front to frame your face (so you don't look like you are going to middle school prom with slicked back hair), tousle pony and front hair with spray wax, and finish with hairspray for hold!
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The "Crazy/Messy" Runway Pony
 There is a very special place in my heart for the "Crazy/Messy" Runway Pony. As y'all know, my motto is, "The world is my runway." Therefore, I do this pony often! It's great for "day 2 hair" that was curled or braided the day/night before. I spray some dry shampoo, do a bunch of teasing at the crown and throughout the pony tail, tousle with spray wax, finish with lots of hairspray, and I rock this sucker like I am a 5'2" Heidi Klum! Trust me, it's fun.
------

The "Simple" Runway Pony
The "Simple" Runway Pony is great for every day and for the "Runway Pony" beginner. It combines both the "retro" and the "messy" in one. Do a small amount of teasing, add some waves for movement in the pony tail itself, tousle with some spray wax, and hairspray to finish.

Here's an example of me rocking the Runway Pony!
The "Retro" + The "Crazy" Runway Pony

Friday, November 2, 2012

I'm Back Y'all

I am back in action, y'all!

I've been in Vancouver, BC, Canada...talk about a dream!
It gave me a chance to observe the fashion trends way up North,
and also an opportunity to wear plenty of scarves and jackets!

Self expression through accessories seems to be key for the Canadians.
It was cold and rainy, so fun umbrellas, rain boots, scarves, and jackets were a must.

Why not have fun with your umby? 
Solid wellies (rain boots)

Ad a pop with a scarf over your jacket

Fun wellies! This is what I would pick!

Since I am from a more warm, dry climate, this is how I adjusted my Texas fashion
to the cold and damp Vancouver weather...

Walking around on day one in a gray sweater dress, black tights, flat walking boots,
gray boot socks, burgundy leather jacket, scarf, and my vintage Dooney.

On a warmer walk/shopping trip day, I went for some tweed shorts, tights, a light sweater, leather jacket, scarf, riding boots...and voila! Shopping in style!

 I went for layers the entire trip. You never know when the weather will change
or if the building you are going in to will be over heated or air conditioned. Pack smart!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Mixing Patterns

Mixing patterns used to be a huge faux pas.
Thankfully, NOT ANYMORE!
Well, almost...if I see you in tartan plaid and pink/purple polka dots I will slap you.
You have been warned.

Let's talk animal print for example.
Animal prints are considered neutrals for the most part; especially in shoes.
Leopard print pumps go with just about anything. Not just black anymore!

Check out this combo I worked this weekend:

 A nice tailored denim shirt is a great staple and goes with anything,
it can also double as a light denim jacket over a tank...

Ryan Michaels Denim Pearl Snap Shirt

These black, white, and yellow tribal silk shorts are fun, flowy,
and can transition nicely into fall (with opaque tights and a sweater)...
BCBG Tribal Print Shorts

NOW FOR PATTERN PLAY!

Add these fun and fierce studded leopard pumps and BAM!
Instant pattern mixing but with funk and style.
Vince Camuto 'Madelyn' Pump
*Note the similar tones in the leopard and the shorts. This is what ties the two together.

Top off the look with some fun gold hoops
and your pattern mixing look is complete!

REMEMBER: Don't be afraid to try new looks you wouldn't normally think of. You never know what great new combo you'll come up with out of things you already have in your closet!

Send me pics of your style and I'll post them on the blog!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Style Isn't Just For The Young

I was so pleased to see my future self on the "Today Show" this week.
These women are truly inspiring!

Ilona Smithkin, 92

Iris Apfel, 91

Lynn Dell, 79

Shoutout!

Today's "daily ensemble" is a shout out to my awesome girl friend, Lauren.
She was rocking this dress in the black/red combo and turned me on to it!
Thanks lovely lady...Miss you!

Free People "Peacemaker" dress in beigey/pinky/blush and brown,
my go to studded weathered camel leather boots,
gray boot socks peeking out of the top,
and of course, loads of necklaces!
 
Boho chic baby!

What is your favorite look? Send me pics for the bog and tell me about your style!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Terrific Tresses: Ombre

When was the last time you updated your hair? 
When was the last time you changed your hair style?
When was the last time you changed your hair color?

If your answer wasn't "recently" or "with in the last 6 months" then you are way behind!

Hair is our greatest accessory. It can make us look older than we really are, or younger.
It is good to update your hair style every 6 month or so to keep it healthy, fresh,
and most of all, to boost your self image!
Whether you know it or not, a large part of our self image is wrapped up in our tresses. 
As a style maven, I try to change my hair style every 6 months. This is a good rule of thumb because you have summer hair and winter hair. Just as your wardrobe changes, so should your hair.

For something easy, try a different hair cut. Don't be afraid, hair always grows back!
Try layers, bangs, fringe. Cut off a few inches...or even add a few with extensions!
Have fun with it, you can always go back to your boring old style.

Let's talk OMBRE!

BLONDES:
As a blonde, it is easy for me to have a summer and a winter hair style.
In summer, blonde hair is a lot lighter and brighter from days at the pool and being outdoors.
In fall/winter, blonde hair is a bit more golden in tone with darker roots.
I love ombre hair. From darker roots to lighter ends, it's fun, flirty, modern, and easy to maintain.
Blonde, more subtle ombre hair coloring
More dramatic ombre effect

BRUNETTES:
For the brunettes out there who think it's harder to change your hair color, let me tell you that you are wrong! Brown hair can be changed just like blonde hair can. The ombre color technique works equally as well on brunettes as it does blondes. Instead of using blonde, you would have your stylist use honey tones. Any hairstylist worth a damn will know what
tones are best for your hair and skin tone. 
Subtle, easy to maintain brunette ombre

More glam, honey toned brunette ombre

My recommendation is to ALWAYS have a professional do your hair. We all think that we can do these color techniques ourselves, and maybe you can, but you can very easily damage your hair. So, always stick with a professional. Just like you wouldn't want someone else doing your job, let the hairstylist's do theirs!

Here are some great examples of new, fresh, and fun ombre hair styles. Let them inspire you! Remember: it's only hair, if you don't like what you changed it to, you can keep changing it until you love it!
Dark brown to honey ombre
Chocolate brown to auburn red tinted ombre

Chocolate brown to bright red ombre
Beachy, golden blonde ombre

Platinum blonde to sky blue ombre

Golden dirty blonde to hot pink ombre

Golden to hot pink ombre
Platinum blonde to light and hot pink
For the colored ombre, try a temporary hair stain. It'll was out in a few days and you won't have to be committed to pink, purple, blue, etc.
I do hot pink in my hair when I'm feeling fun and funky:
My golden blonde with platinum highlights and hot pink ombre
My current hairstyle: dirty brown to gold ombre
With all these options, and of course millions more, you too can have fun with your hair!
Don't be so worried about changing it, you can always change it again!

Looking for an amazing hair stylist?
Call master stylist Craig Piatti at: 512-485-1024 to set up your appointment.