Confidence: Unveiled

What gives you confidence? Over the years, psychiatrists, parents, and writers of self-help books alike have attempted to answer this question. Somehow, though, following their advice never quite led me to the infamous and unparalleled confidence high. Although I’m sure the answer to this question differs from person to person, for me it’s fashion. I’m not necessarily talking about having all the latest trends or buying the limited edition Fendi bag. Instead, I just mean feeling comfortable and CONFIDENT in what you have on. Going to school in sweat pants and a sweatshirt, I tend to feel like a failure, telling myself I’m far too stupid to ace that tough chemistry exam. But in a perfectly tailored pair of jeans topped with a super-flattering jacket and an enviably wild-but-chic necklace, I walk through the hallways with my head held high. Likewise, I’m much more likely to approach that cutie at a party while dressed in a bouncy miniskirt and tights than a pair of paint-splattered jeans and a hoodie. Get the picture? I guess this, in a nutshell, is why I really love fashion. It’s the feeling I get when I pull on my favorite hot pink dress, the way I can’t stop smiling when I peer at myself in the dressing room mirror wearing pretty much anything from H&M. I can practically feel my confidence level rising. When my clothes are special (not necessarily expensive or even unique, just special) I feel so, too. So, with that, I urge all of you to get out there and go shopping. You never know how much better you might feel about yourself while wearing the dress of your dreams.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Vogue Envy

The February 2010 cover of Teen Vogue is definitely the best and most inspiring one that I’ve seen so far. The amazing Jessica Szohr (better known as Vanessa from Gossip Girl) wears an equally amazing blue-printed dress that can’t help but bring to mind the calming colors of the ocean on a beautiful August evening. Artfully constructed, the BCBG Max Azria frock is draped and ruched in just the right places, even including unexpected splashes of red throughout the sea of blue. But what really brings this particular look together is the leather Alexander Wang booties. Featuring zippers AND killer heels, their badass-ness is the perfect foil to the flowy dress and brings the outfit up a notch on Fashionista’s unofficial gauge of awesome-ness. It also got me thinking about the perfect outfit to transition from the harsh chill of winter into the calm warmth of spring. A printed dress looks great paired with an oversized cardigan, large belt, black tights, and thick strappy sandals in the winter. Slowly remove (or replace) layers as the temperature heats up and you may even be able to get away with wearing some kind of rendition of this outfit all year long, a rarity in the fashion world. Throw in the fact that you probably already have many of these pieces in your closet and it’s a dream come true! Needless to say, my new shopping obsession is to find all the right pieces to make this outfit my own.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Fun Fashion

The best part about fashion to me is that you can really truly have fun with it. While a classic blazer, dark-wash jeans, and round-toe pumps are possibly the epitome of a polished look, there’s just something that excites me about wearing a sweater with a diagonal zipper or oversized lip-shaped earrings made of cubic zirconium. For me, the best places to find pieces like these are at Betsey Johnson (http://www.betseyjohnson.com/) and Juicy Couture (http://www.juicycouture.com/). The sheer artistic talent of both designers often draws me to the sites even when I’m not in the market for a new piece of clothing, jewelry, or any of the other beautiful pieces sold there. Here, I would like to highlight for you a few of my favorite items from each brand in order to get you started on your new look for the New Year.

Betsey Johnson
Floral Print T-Shirt
The bold floral print of this tank is perfect for spring. It would look great with a blazer and leggings.
Washed Solid Brushed Poplin W/ Twill Tape Skirt
This versatile piece will look great with tights and a cropped jacket now, a striped long-sleeved shirt in the spring, and even a loose tank and sandals in the summer.
Charmeuse & Striped Organza Dress
The bold color, fun stripes, and subtle bow make this the ultimate party dress.
Betsey Wink! Crew
The face design on these socks is an unexpected surprise.
Floral Net Single
These pretty patterned tights will elevate any outfit to high-end status.
Mug/Ski Mismatch Earrings
Although these earrings are mismatch, they stay in the same theme, which gives them the perfect amount of quirky-ness. Plus, the cute mug and ski are just right for the season.

Juicy Couture
Earbuds & Case
Why shouldn’t every aspect of your life, right down to listening to your iPod, be perfectly luxurious?
Set of Two Dog Bowls
Now even your dogs can live the luxe life.
Terry Robe
This robe is very high-end and fashion-y; it makes you feel like a princess even while you sleep.
Ring Bling Day Dreamer Tote
The pink fabric of this tote is an eye-catcher, while the soft ribbon adds a demure feel.
Snake Print Silk Dress
Not only is this dress the perfect flowy frock for spring, but I fell in love with this entire outfit at first sight.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!