Something to Think About

I saw these specific covers of Rolling Stone magazine in a post on Tumblr recently. It honestly appalled me how I had never seen this pattern until it was compared right in front of me. How can this blatant display go unnoticed for years?

I thank the girl who noticed the pattern and spelled it out for everyone on the internet. Men are treated as people, icons, while women continue to be treated as objects. You could make the argument that women can say no to being posed such ways or displaying themselves in such fashions, but why does that question have to be posed? 

Why is it normal for men to do nothing in front of the camera and sell as many covers as half naked women staring provocatively at the lens? Why is the standard so different? 

When will it change? 

The point of feminism isn't proving that women are strong. Women ARE strong. Feminism is convincing the rest of the world just how strong women truly are. 

Iconic

Women and fashion compliment each other and challenge each other since the beginning of time. Whether you wear the clothes or the clothes wear you is a struggle, can you even pull that off is the question.

Fashion adventurers and extremists dare to achieve crazy looks and lots of buzz (not all positive). They step outside the lines of practicality and trendiness to don something a bit more eyebrow-raising (perfectly shaped eyebrows, nonetheless). From looks as quiet as wigs or thematic makeup, all the way to garbage bag dresses (cough cough Ke$ha) and basically a wearable-see through diamond dress (Rihanna). The world of fashion changes and is pushed at every moment, but it's some of these show stopping leading ladies and their garments that cause the greater rifts popular in fashion chronology.

Latest and umm... greatest (?), Rihanna. Showing up at the CFDA Awards in a completely sheer, sparkly dress. Custom designed by Adam Selman, the dress was literally covered in over 200,000 Swarovski crystals. Rihanna was being honored by the CFDA for their annually appointed Fashion Icon award... clearly she didn't want to let the board down. Wearing matching gloves and thong, Rihanna also paired the dress with a fur stole and head kerchief. Iconic? Definitely. It's up in the air, however, if this is applause inducing or cover-your-eyes-quick! worthy...

The green, plunging Versace dress that changed a nation. Just kidding, but J. Lo's famous dress worn to the 42nd Grammy Awards Ceremony in 2000 designed by Donatella Versace was voted the fifth most iconic dress in fashion history. This theme of being revealing and provacative may result in being iconic, but there are many more iconic women who sported much classier gowns...

...for example, the love of my life forever and ever, the ever classy and fabulous, Audrey Hepburn. One of her most iconic dresses was this white, floral Givenchy dress that she wore to the 1954 Academy Awards Ceremony. The belted gown showed off her narrow waist, while she her natural confidence and dazzling smile won over the eyes and hearts of every viewer. Audrey won Best Actress this year for her performance in Roman Holiday. She will always be iconic and for lack of a better word, perfect.

Another Versace winner. In 1994, Hugh Grant's at-the-time girlfriend, Liz Hurley, accompanied him to one of his movie premiere's sporting this black Versace dress held together by six, large, golden safety pins. Not only was this another huge success for the Versace label, but the dress also launched Liz Hurley to global fame and to the large scale media stage. The iconic dress has been re-worn recently by Lady Gaga, moving the gown from "neo-punk" couture to a darker, grungier daytime dress.

Keira Knightley had already proved herself a phenomenal actress, but at the 78th Academy Awards in 2006, she proved herself to be an iconic fashion plate as well. The one shoulder, plum, taffeta gown was custom designed by Vera Wang and was voted as the sixth most iconic dress in fashion history by The Daily Telegraph, and the most iconic Oscars dress by Cosmopolitan magazine.

Christian Dior creates sexy and complicated looks time and time again, this dress for Kate Moss is no exception... however, it has seen better days. Kate Moss showed up with photographer Mario Testino to the Victoria & Albert Museum for an exhibit honoring Christian Dior and his amazing work in 2007. By the end of the night, shoulder tears and rips down the back caused Moss to hike up the dress and tie it around her waist to prevent anymore damages. The iconic dress is now being donated to Cancer Research UK to raise money. Although the dress is in horrible condition and will probably need the help of a surgeon to fix it, its still an amazing dress worthy to be remembered for times to come. 

Then there are the bizarre... Bjork showed up to the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001 wearing not only a tan, bejeweled body suit, but also a swan wrapped around her neck. Designed by Macedonian Marjan Pejoski and brought to life by the Icelandic singer by mimicking a swan laying an egg at the actual ceremony.... And then scarily enough, Valentino reimagined and recreated a variation of the dress for his 2014 spring couture show recently. Iconic?

OMG Your Epidermis is Showing!

What is too much skin?

Plunging necklines, cropped tops, and booty shorts get a bad rap, yet are still constantly worn about. The allure of just plain old epidermis is confusing and controversial. Do you walk the line of getting slut-shamed by showing your belly button? Do you submit yourself to double-takes by revealing your bra?

 Is there a difference between where you should and should not show excessive skin? Or is the question based on HOW someone shows skin, and what they're wearing?

In high school, girls strut through the halls in belly shirts and skin tight leggings. Although both belly shirts and leggings are fashionably acceptable, is the slut-shaming coming from the pairing of the two? Jealous looks at that one girl who can pull it off and sympathetic nods towards the girl who should really look in a mirror all can arise from the same outfit. So is one stylish and the other shocking? Or regardless, should these outfits stay in the back of our closets (because I know every girl has a belly shirt and skin tight leggings, even if she claims she doesn't)?

In fashion, belly shirt trends are revamped and reused time and time again in many different styles. They're chic as shit, let's be honest. It's a cute way for young girls to show off their tiny waists. I say why not? The actual probability of an adult having a flat stomach and/or washboard abs is pretty slim, and even so, at that age- why are you wearing a belly shirt? Wear it while you can while you're young. I am pro-belly button exposure and shock.

But what about legs?

Is it just the same to show all five miles of your legs on a regular basis? Or is it worse? Understanding what looks good on your body type is the basis of fashion and style, so booty shorts where a good portion of your saggy butt is hanging out, may not be the smartest choice for a day at school with that one old, creepy teacher who calls on you way more than anyone else... But I digress in respect to the girls yelling at their computer screens questioning my sanity. "Like, wtf? My butt is kicking."

Vogue's Elizabeth Gilpin says that pulling off a pair of shorts depends on their silhouette and the shoes you pair it with. For example: high waisted shorts usually look better with higher or clunkier shoes, something to offset the lack of torso you'll be pretending NOT to have. Any voluminous shape- either on your feet or over your shoulders- compliments the tiny bottom your trying to pull off.

I think shorts really depend on how you wear them and where you're wearing them (i.e. don't make me stare at your buttcrack in your desk chair). But again, this is completely up to interpretation and how you wanna do you.

Let me know if you think any skin is too much skin or if you love showing off your epidermis so much you should be put in a nudist colony. Comment below!!

Umm... yeah.

Queen of Hearts

Happy Valentine's Day! If you're the type of person all for making this day special and filled with love, keep reading! But if you're a cynical, bitter soul who curses the day, I totally feel you- but keep reading anyway.

Whether you're gifting family members, friends, a significant other, or yourself- keep in mind that this day is all about love. It is NOT about spending your life savings or "getting some". There are small ways to show you care without costing an arm or a leg.

Let's be honest, the real reason so many people love Valentine's Day is because of the treats. Valentine's Day is basically a free pass to bake and eat anything you want without being judged. Baking is also super easy and inexpensive, and they always say the way to someone's heart is through their stomach! I've found some easy recipes with an emphasis on Valentine's Day. (The corny labels are not necessary, but everybody loves some cheesy jokes.)

Candy in Mason jars with creative sayings, how to make heart shaped cupcakes, and homemade Valentine's Day macaroons!

1. http://thefrugalgirls.com/valentines-day-crafts
2. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/192599321538503691/
3. http://www.thismamaloves.com/valentines-day-macarons-recipe/#_a5y_p=1270394

There are also awesome, cheap gift ideas: love coupons, cute heartfelt cards, or scavenger hunts (for finding a date location or gifts)- just to name a few. Being creative goes a long way because it shows how much you care (or at least that you took the time to attempt something semi-cute). 

Whatever it is you choose to do for Valentine's Day, make sure you do it with love! And again, cheesy sentiments go a long way... never doubt the power of humor. Happy Valentine's Day everyone! xoxo

How to Look Hot While Not Being Mistaken for The Common Whore

"Girls Who Go Out" illustration from The Man Repeller

Fashion and style is in the eye of the beholder, what you may deem 'hot', I may deem 'not'. But that's what makes it fashion. If everyone agreed on one look and wore the same thing, style would not evolve.

So, in relevance to my opening style philosophy, I have a short story. My friend walked into school today looking adorable while staying warm (no easy feat). Clad in black motorcycle boots (with gold accents), maroon tights, a black banded skirt, and an oversized black knit ski sweater with white houndstooth details. I gushed over how chic she looked while finding a cute way to fight these freezing temperatures. But as soon as she turned around, one girl called her a "stripper". (Clearly I'm not familiar with the tights and sweaters pole-dancing species.)

This brings me to my overarching question: HOW does one look hot while not being called a "stripper"? I think I may have some answers. (If you have any other obvious solutions, please drop some knowledge in the comments.)

It is so easy to look put together and appealing without wearing dresses and heels. This is especially important to me since I go to school each day and want to look cute... but NOT like the girl who's trying too hard.

My first bit of advice is to wear clothing that you feel comfortable in. The first step to looking good is feeling good, and nothing makes you feel better than being comfortable and confident. If what you feel best in are athletic shorts and sneakers, then go for it (and hello, LuLu Lemon?)! Wear colorful combos, add fun socks, accessorize! You don't need to lose your circulation in tight clothes or wear what other people are wearing to look """""good""""".

My second tip is to be practical. If the latest trends in your area are crop tops and booty shorts, and maybe you're not anorexic or under eighty pounds, DON'T WEAR IT. So many girls think that by wearing what's "hot" makes them automatically "hot" as well, when in fact, you may be doing just the opposite. If you don't have the flattest stomach, then don't highlight it. Own your body and accentuate your highlights, don't emphasize on your negative. Someone smart once said, "Love the body you have while working for the body you want". Remember that the next time you pick up a belly shirt.

Different body types, all "HOT"

I finally come to the """""hot""""" stereotype. Squeezing yourself into bodycon dresses, bustier tops, and skintight leggings does not make you so-called hot. Everybody has their own definition of hotness versus beauty (I rather be beautiful than hot, but that's just me) and everybody is going to perceive you differently. But, my honest-to-goodness advice, is to wear what you want while making yourself look GOOD, not hot. And yes, pull out your banded skirts, your bustier tops and high heels, I'm all for it. But there's a time and place for everything, and making yourself feel good is the truest form of beauty (you can't buy confidence at the makeup store, surprisingly).

To close my argument, I would like to circle back to my friend who was called a "stripper". If wearing what she wanted and what made her look good is a crime, then lock her up. But she wasn't striving to be called "hot", she was making herself happy by dressing well but not pushing the boundaries. She rocked it and now I hope you can too.

Layered Love

Like my awkward selfie?

Due to this bitch called a polar vortex that's been sucking the sun out of January (not that there was much of it here to begin with), it's been cold. More than cold, it's been some-parts-of-Alaska-are-warmer-than-here-right-now cold. So, nodding my head to my favorite inspiration drawers from The Man Repeller (which you can visit here), I'm going to break down the layering process on MY Forecast (because the real weather forecasters are pissing me off).

Although I loved Leandra Medine's break down of layering, I'm not going to be convincing you to pair black ankle socks with white Manolo Blahniks even if you really, REALLY want to pull off a Carrie Bradshaw. This is layering for the girls who walk outside day after day in a sweatshirt because that must obviously be warm... and I definitely did not do that once this week and I definitely did not look like an idiot much less freeze my ass off.

So, let's start with the bottoms (because its cold to walk around in your room only wearing underwear and a t-shirt). Obviously due to this weather I would choose some trousers of substance, cough cough NOT leggings. Jeans of any magical hue will do, leather works, corduroys are cozy; you get me? Pick your pants and move on.

Now, this is the part where your blood temperature comes into call. Are you a naturally warm blooded person (LOL because we all are) or are you like me, naturally inclined to shiver even in seventy-five degree weather? If you usually find yourself warm enough just wearing a long sleeve shirt and sweater, then I would tell you to choose a short sleeve anything for this layer. A collar of some sort looks best, however... Have any old short sleeve polos? Now is your opportunity to dust them off and pull 'em on (and don't worry, nobody will see how dorky you actually look because you'll be wearing more layers over the polo). OR.... if you're like me and need the extra layer, you have some more options. Turtleneck? Swag (never thought you'd hear 'turtleneck' and 'swag' in the same sentence before, did you?). Peter Pan collars? Yes please. Pilgrim collars of epic proportions? Ye rock on. Go crazy and take your pick.

My first layer for this outfit is a denim chambray sleeveless button down.

Now, top it off with something else. This layer depends though on what you chose for your first layer. Still with me? If you decided to say "YOLO" and wear a turtleneck, now is your chance to throw a flannel or cotton button down over it. Did you choose a layer with a huge collar as your first layer? Grab a sweater and make that collar pop. (I'm basically trying to say that if you chose a button down/polo/flannel for your first layer, you can't wear another button down/polo/flannel over the first one... or you can, whatever dude, to each his own.)

Layer #2: Old white sweater over denim button down.

So now you have two layers. If you started with a turtleneck and have since put a flannel/button down over it, you can pick a sweater at layer #3! Or... if you started with a button down (like my outfit recreation), and have already put a sweater over it, you can choose a jacket for layer #3! So many exciting choices, huh? And if you went the first route, turtleneck + button down + sweater, you can still put a jacket over that!!! Crazy, I know.

I know, I know... more denim. But how can you say no to an awesome jean jacket?

So, if you have layered so many pieces that you can barely move your arms anymore, you've got it! The object is basically trying to get you to look like Randy in the movie A Christmas Story (watch the clip from the movie here). When you fall down and can't get up, know that you've achieved total fashion warmth and your winter won't get any better than this. I hope this layering lesson has helped some of you learn to fight the cold the fabulous way, sans-hoodies and thermals. And don't forget to check out The Man Repeller also, for more fashion tips and tricks!

P.S.- add a scarf when venturing outdoors. It ties together the outfit and helps increase your body's inner thermometer's temperature!