The Luxury of NYE

Hello everyone!  It's the end of the year, and a whole new year is right around the corner.  I usually like to reflect back and remember everything that made this year special for me.  One of those things is actually a fashion trend that I absolutely love, and that's all the baroque and ornate fashion this season.  I think it was important to remind everyone the importance of luxury and to get past that phase of minimalism for a season (although I do love it from time to time ^_^).

What is luxury, and why is it important?  I think luxury is best defined in the immortal words of Coco Chanel:

Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty.  It is not.  It is the opposite of vulgarity.

Need I explain the importance of not being vulgar?

ModCloth Gilding a Mystery Dress

Filgree Metal Black Venetian Mask on Ebay

I actually wore this outfit to a Halloween party this year, but I think it will still work perfectly well for a New Year's Eve party.  I was so inspired by the whole baroque trend this season that I bought this dress at ModCloth when I got hold of a coupon code.  This was my first ModCloth purchase, and I couldn't have been happier with it.  When I read the description of this dress on the ModCloth website, I remembered that I had an old venetian mask that I bought on Ebay a while back, and that's how this whole outfit came together.  Everyone asked me about my mask at the party, and I'm thinking about getting the gold one to add to my collection.

I hope all of you are enjoying your New Year's Eve festivities, and please look forward to the New Year!

A Shirt Study

I'm back!  ^_^  Sorry for the long hiatus!  I wanted to say that I've been busy (I have been, really), but the reason why I haven't been blogging is because I wanted to figure out a way to take better pictures.  I ended up getting a tripod and using my brother's DSLR camera.  It just ended up being way too complicated for me, so I'm going back to using my trusty point-and-shoot, and guess what?  I can still use my tripod with it!  So, I guess it all works out!

I saw this beautiful top on Jean, and I really wanted to get something similar.  I really didn't want to pay $42.99 for it, so one day I ended up looking at tops online on Forever 21, and I saw this shirt.  I fell in love with it, and now, I kinda want to get this one too!

When the top arrived in the mail, I'll admit that it took me 5-10 minutes to figure out how to put this top on.  (It was early in the morning, so please forgive me.)  The black ribbon is attached to the collar, so you have to undo the tie and unbutton all the buttons in order to put it on.  There are a lot of buttons on this shirt.

 At first, I actually just threw on my pair of Citizen's of Humanity jeans and asked my parents for their opinion.  My mom really liked it, but my dad said that the jeans don't go with the top.  My dad usually never has an opinion about my choice in clothes, but when he does, he usually has a good point.  Thus, I came up with three different outfits.

 Bag: Chanel small classic flap

Sunglasses: RayBan classic avaitors

Watch: Michael Kors

The shirt is sheer, of course.  I have an Ann Taylor tank top underneath.  The tank top is very smooth and close fitted.  I think having a tank top like that is important for just such a top.  I got this lace skirt from Zara during their annual sale, and it's actually kinda tight and short, so I didn't tuck the top into the skirt.  I really need to stop buying lace apparel though.  It's funny how I always thought of lace as something that my grandmother would wear, and I wouldn't be caught wearing anything like it, but here I am.

 The Waitress Look?

I wasn't completely satisfied with the first look, so I got rid of the skirt in favor of this Forever 21 black short and old Loft vest.  Is it just me or do I look like a waitress?  Note the pondering look.  ^.^'  I also really need to stop buying black and white clothes, but they literally go with everything!  I'm no fashionista, but I believe the Mod look is very in now.

I wear jeans all the time, and I very rarely wear skirts or dresses, so I think I'm most comfortable with this look.  Since my dad said jeans are out, I tried wearing the top with these old Loft pants.  I love the button detail on these pants.  It reminds me of being at sea as a sailor.

Which outfit do you like?

Countdown to V-Day: 3 Days

With three days left to go to the big day, you'll want to take good care of your skin and personal hygiene.  It's the weekend, so you really don't have any excuse not to pamper yourself these two days.

 A. Body:  Try dry brushing for the body, then take a shower, shave, and moisturize immediately afterwords.  If you have dry, cracked heels, slather on some Vaseline and put clean socks on before you go to bed.  When you wake up, your feet should be crack free and feel smooth.

B.  Teeth:  Don't forget to floss before you brush your teeth and tongue!  It's one of the causes of bad breath, but remember to take a mint on the big day just to make sure.  Try putting on some Crest White Strips to whiten your teeth as well.
 
C.  Hair:  You should wash your hair two times every week, so I would suggest washing it the day before or the morning of Valentine's.  However, this really depends on how oily your hair gets and how you would want to style your hair the day of.  For some hair styles, it's good to have some oil in your hair to give it some texture.  Plan ahead!

D.  Face:  After cleansing and exfoliating your face, put on a mask.  Then, put on your serum, toner, and moisturizer.  A humidifier does wonders for the skin, especially during the cold, winter months.  Consider taking some Omega-3 tablets.  They've been proven to improve your skin.

It's probably a good idea to start planning on what you want to wear on that day.  You'll perhaps want to take into consideration that Valentine's is on a Tuesday, so you might have to get to class or go to work.  Consider where you'll be going and take a look at the weather forecast as well so you can dress accordingly.  Remember that you don't necessarily need a brand new outfit for the day... but it's a good excuse to go shopping anyway. ^_^

With that said, I'll start off with my first outfit post and bag reveal.

 Hat: old black beret from Talbots

Top: black sleeveless lace top from Forever 21

Earrings: gold hoops from Forever 21

Bottom: petite bootcut jeans from Citizen's of Humanity

I didn't want my head to be cut off in my outfit pictures, so I figured a pair of dark sunglasses would work just as well.  The sunglasses I'm wearing here are from LoveCulture.  They're big and cover my face relatively well.  I absolutely love this lace top from Forever 21.  It makes me feel so ladylike.  Finally, the bag that I'm wearing is Chanel's small, caviar classic flap with gold hardware.

I love my new Chanel bag!  It's exactly what I wanted.  I opted for the gold hardware, because I wanted the classic look.  When it came to lambskin or caviar, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted the caviar, but what I wavered the most on was the size.  I really love big bags, but I got the smaller version of the classic flap because I figure I would be using this bag mostly for going out.  Here's a picture of the bag below with the dust bag and box:

I apologize for the expressionless face and blurry pictures.  I basically stacked some boxes on top of one another, put on the ten second timer to my point and shot, and quickly rushed to strike a pose.  I want to give big props to those bloggers out there who have such amazing outfit pictures.  It's a lot harder than it looks.

YesStyle: Channeling Lace and Chanel

Update: YesStyle has updated their sale prices and has taken further reductions on their merchandise.

YesStyle is having their annual sale right now.  I've bought a few things from them before (some hits and misses), but I love looking at their pictures.  They take several pictures of their models wearing their clothes.  It's another source of style inspiration for me other than my catalog collection.  I really want to incorporate more lace into my wardrobe without looking like my grandmother.  It should also go well with the new Chanel bag that I recently bought.  Which one did I pick?  Hehehe.  I'll reveal that later.

Here are some lace pieces that I was looking at:

SOHO Central Long-Sleeve Lace Top, $22.50 $20

PUCH Lace Sheath Dress, $109.80

I can't really decide between a dress or a shirt, black or white lace.  Sigh.

Chanel on the Rise

Sigh.  The Classic Chanel Flap bag.  Oh, how I covet thee.

If any of you are thinking about buying the Classic Chanel Flap bag or the 2.55 Reissue, it's probably a good idea to do so now.  Why?  Chanel will increase its price again very soon.  Right now the medium/large flap sells for $3900 retail.  I spoke to a sales associate (SA) at my local Neiman Marcus, and she told me to expect the price increase to almost $5000!  Why would anyone (in their right mind) want to buy such an expensive bag?!

Chanel bags are timeless classics, and personally, I've been eying one ever since I was in high school.  At the time, it was selling for a little over $1000, I believe, and I thought that price was just ridiculous.  If only I knew...  Chanel bags have always had a high resale value, and they practically increase their prices every year.  Yet, people still continue to pay for these bags.  However, resale value aside, these bags will probably outlive us.  People have been known to pass down their designer bags from generation to generation.  It's just like a heirloom, and depending on how its handled, it still looks beautiful, even 20 or 50 years down the road.  Still not convinced?  Perhaps, these other bloggers can convince you:

1.  Extra Petite - I frequently read Jean's posts at Extra Petite.  She's definitely one of my favorite petite bloggers out there.  It also doesn't hurt that she lives in Boston just like I do!  She has a three part Chanel review on her blog.  They are: Petite Shopping Tote & Wallet on Chain Review, The Classic Chanel Flap Bag, and Buying pre-owned or new bags at a discount
2. I am Style-ish - I actually found Tiffany's website while I was looking for places on where to buy Chanel bags.  Her post here specifically tells you about how you can get your hands on some vintage bags.

I would also suggest checking out Winnie's YouTube video on how to spot a fake Chanel bag (I love her accent):

Now for some personal advice.  While I currently don't own a(ny) Chanel bag, needless to say it is an investment.  I would not settle for just any Chanel bag for the sake of having one.  If you're going to make such a big investment, you should do your research, know what you want, and get what you want.  Do not settle!  If you find that you simply cannot get enough of these bags after your first one, then spurge away.  The SA I spoke to actually tried to convince me to buy a jumbo Classic Chanel bag.  With my petite frame, it just simply wouldn't work, so I politely declined.  However, according to her, the interior of the bags are rather small, so if you're planning on taking your whole life in your bag with you, you might want to consider the jumbo.  I would check out the stores to see which size would suit you more.  If you buy these bags in the stores also consider that you would have to pay taxes on them.

I'm actually considering several Chanel bags, including the one pictured above, which is currently priced at $3295.  It's the small version of the Classic Flap in caviar with gold hardware, which is discontinued in stores, but it is also brand new, never been worn.

The bag pictured above is pre-owned, white caviar with silver hardware.  This is in the more common medium/large size Classic Flap, and it is currently priced at $3200.  I feel that this bag is very coolly, classic (Does that even make sense?).

This is the 2.55 Reissue bag in brown, burgundy lambskin with gold hardware.  It is currently priced at $2995, and I absolutely love the color combination of this bag!

Sigh.  Decisions, decisions.

To Find Your Own Style (Part I)

I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little... [M]aybe that's the day she has a date with destiny[, a]nd it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.

It is undeniable that Coco Chanel was, is, and will continue to be a fashion icon.  I am especially inspired by this quote above, and I try to live by it.  It is always so easy to just put on any old thing on a lazy day or when we're just rushing out of the house, but who knows if you were supposed to meet that special someone on that day.  You probably wouldn't want to look like a slob in front of some hottie right? ^_^

With that said, what about those of us who can use some help in the style department?  Perhaps you're young, and you're just starting to figure out who you are and how you want to dress the part.  Or, perhaps you're another Madonna and you would like to reinvent yourself every few decades.  Whatever the case may be there's always a starting point. 

PART I:   Measure.

Take out a tape measure, and measure around your bust, waist, hips, and from your head down to your hips, your hips to your toes, and from your head to your toes (your total height).  People's measurements change all the time (I'm sure every child and female knows that.), so it is important to know your current measurements.  Take accurate measurements!  Don't suck in, and don't slouch.

A.   Determine Your Horizontal Body Type

To take your bust measurements, take the tape measure and loop it under your arms across your bust.  The tape measure should be covering your nipples.  To take your waist measurements, measure the smallest part of your body that is usually located a few inches above your belly button.  To take your hip measurements, measure around your where your butt is fullest.

• Apple:  Your waist is bigger than your bust and hips, and you have little to no waist definition.  There is at least a 6 inch difference between your waist and bust/hip.
• Pear:  Your bust is smaller than your waist and hips, and you have waist definition.  There is at least a 6 inch difference between your waist and hip.
• Hourglass:  Your bust and waist are the same or similar in width, and you have waist definition.  There is at least a 6 inch difference in your bust/hip and waist, and less than 3 inch difference between your bust and hip.
• Rectangle:  Your bust, waist, and hips are the same or similar in width, and you have little to no waist definition.  The difference between your bust, waist, and hip measurements should be less than 5 inches.

 A lot of people fall between these shapes, such as in the picture below:

So it is my personal opinion that you should look at tips for the shapes you think you are in between of, and depending on your personal style, decide which tips to follow and which ones that work best for you.

Apples should aim for V-neck or low necklines to draw attention to that fabulous bust line (if you have it, flaunt it!).  Wear loose or semi-fitted clothes that skims over your stomach.  Empire dresses are your best friend here, and pants with a high waist will hide any tummy trouble .  Wear earrings and/or necklaces that draw attention to your face.  Stick with monochromatic, solid colors.

Pears should wear skirts/dress and pants/jeans that are slightly flared.  Put on a belt to emphasize your waist, and earrings/necklaces to emphasize your face.  Wear medium to high necklines, such as a turtleneck.  Short sleeved tops also work for this body type.

Hourglass shapes should wear fitted to semi-fitted clothes that flaunts your curves.  Stick with monochromatic, solid colors.  Wear belts and dress that define your waistline.  A low neckline will also draw attention to your bust.  Flared pants will also work well for you.

Rectangle shapes should wear semi-fitted clothes.  If you have nice arms, aim for short sleeved or sleeveless tops.  You can wear prints, lace, bows, and frills to draw attention to any part of your body, such as your bust, with medium to high necklines.  Wear a belt to fake a waist.

B.   Determine Your Vertical Body Type

With the width measurements out of the way, let's move on to the length measurements, which I feel is often neglected in fashion magazines, or that it's clumped together with the width measurements.  That just doesn't make any sense.

• Petite: less than 5 feet 4 inches in total height
• Average: between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 8 inches
• Tall: 5 feet 9 inches or more

It is my opinion that it matters less whether or not you're petite, average, or tall.  While most clothing stores will use your total height to determine how long your clothes should be, what really matters is what type of vertical body shape you have.

You have a balanced body if your upper body (from your hips up), or torso, is the same length as your lower body (from your hips down).  You can wear low rise, flared, or straight pants that hit you at the hips.  Since you have a balanced body, it will cut you at exactly the right place.  Wearing a single, solid color will make you appear taller than you seem.

You have short legs and a long torso if your measurements from the top of your head to your hips is greater than your hip to toe.  You want to make your legs appear longer, so wear heels.  If you're new to wearing heels start off with a kitten heel or 1-2 inches.  Tuck in your tops, or go for cropped tops or shorter jackets.  Wear straight line skirts and pants.

You have long legs and a short torso when your head to hip is less than your hip to toe.  You can wear longer tops or a deep V-neckline.  Cropped pants will shorten your legs and draw your eyes downward.  Low-rise and hipster pants will also work well.  Wear longer tops, and don't tuck your tops in.  Wear skinny belts.

C.   Putting It All Together

Some of this advice probably conflicts with one another.  What if you have an apple horizontal body type but a balanced body for your vertical body type?  I just told you to put on pants with a high waist for your horizontal body type advice but wear low rise pants for your vertical body type.  Remember that despite all this advice, wear what you feel most comfortable in, and what you think looks beautiful on you.  Each person is different (that's what makes us special), and to quote Chanel again:

 Fashion fades, only style remains the same.