Revamped: JCP

When you hear of the store JCPenny, what do you think of? 

I've got a feeling many people think old, boring, outdated, unfashionable, cheap.  

Many do know that they have updated their look and prices at the beginning of the year to create a better store to keep up with the market and other big department stores.  They have a nice catalogue, prices are reasonable, everything in the store isn't marked down to create a better price point, and they have amazing collaborations.  Plus if there is something that I think I might not wear that much but really want to try the trend (like these half sneaker half wedge shoes), the price is reasonable and I wont feel super guilty spending the money. 

I stopped in the store the other day to buy the pair of shoes (that are reasonably priced and fashionable!) I stumbled upon the accessories where they have items by Vivienne Tam, Lulu Guinness, Betsey Johnson, and Jenny Packham!  These are super great holiday gifts (because again... good prices and fashionable).  I died when I saw all the London inspired Lulu Guinness items!!  

Jenny Packham Eyeglass Case

Betseyville Crossbody Bag

Lulu Lipstick Case

Double Happiness Tablet Case 

These are totally friend worthy holiday gifts! Or even if you have that weird white elephant "I'm going to a Christmas party with a bunch of girls I don't really know what kind of gift to bring" gift.  

Plus, JCPenny has great collaborations in clothing and shoes! 

JCP is definitely a place to add to your list next time you go shopping. 

Make A Statement: In Tights

Yesterday I put on my (old) favorite pair of blue jeans.  For the record, I have not put them on in months. And this is simply because I have found comfort in other things to cover my legs. Look around any relevant clothing store or website and you will most likely find either a) a colorful pair of skinnies b) a fun printed legging or c) an awesome pair of tights that cover fun in both print and color. 

This year, I am voting for tights and will protest why everyone should own at least one pair (excluding standard black opaque or sheer)! 

Here are five reasons everyone should go out and purchase a new pair of tights:

1. They are quite cheap so you aren't making a huge investment in something you may only wear a few times

2. Everyone owns a LBD.  Spruce that LBD up with an oxblood pair of tights or add a black patterned pair

3. Tights look good on all shapes and sizes! If you are bigger, think about how diagonal stripes look good in tops and do the same thing with tights, they will create a slimming illusion! If you are short, purchase a pair that have vertical stripes to create an illusion of never ending legs! 

4. They now make opaque tights that are fleece lined! Yes, I know that sounds weird and pretty thick but its not. You can wear these tights all through winter.

5. A lot of people get caught in a rut of buying black, white, cream, and grey in clothing.  This is an easy (and relate back to #1) way to add a pop of color to any skirt or dress in your closet.

1. DKNY blackout

2. Pretty Polly fleecy

3. Pretty Polly sparkle

4. ModCloth i'm just kitten 

5. ASOS metallic 

6. House of Holland alphabet

DIY: Studded Collar

So awhile ago I found this super amaze oversize denim jacket at a second-hand store.  I love it so much but wanted to add some extra touch to it.  As I have posted before, studs are found everywhere this fall.  I went to a local craft store to buy studs that I could add to fabric but they had absolutely nothing :( Actually, I am really happy they didn't or else I wouldn't have found the amazingness of studs on ebay. You can find ANYTHING! Plus its so unbelievably cheap for a lot of studs.  The only downfall I found was that I had to wait about 2-3 weeks for them to arrive (but it was well worth it).  I have been pretty obsessed with decorative collars for awhile which is why I decided to add studs to my denim collar.  The process was pretty easy but a little rough on my fingers.  

1. Gather your supplies of 

* nose pliers

* studs (variety of sizes if you choose)

*jacket or other clothing

Thats all you need!

2. Place studs to get an idea of how you want them pinned into the fabric

3. Push stud anchors into fabric.  Use pliers to turn in anchors and secure to fabric. I started on one point, worked to the back middle, then started on the other point so if the studs met up funny it would be in the back, not the front.  This is the part where your fingers will probably start to hurt!

4. Double check to see if there are any missing spots to add more studs.  I added more to the points. 

5. Finished product!! 

I really like how this jacket turned out.  Next time I use studs I want to get the cone shaped ones. Hope you're inspired to make your own design! 

Fall Trends: 5 Must Have Items Straight From The Runway

Right now runways across the world are speaking spring/summer trends but right now its about focusing on fall.

Here are five top trends for fall straight from the F/W 2012 shows.  

1. Studs

Studded gloves at Burberry Prorsum

Studs can be found on accessories, jackets, jewelry, tops, denim, etc.  The best part is.. you can save some money and DIY!

2. White

Alexander Wang dress

This is another trend that can be found in many different items such as dresses and jackets.  This trend will also be played into fall so invest in pieces for the next season. 

3. Dark Red Lips

Yves Saint Laurent oxblood lips

Last fall and through spring we saw the bright red lip in action.  This season the red lip gets darker along with the weather. Invest in a good color that you can wear every day and with every outfit. 

4. Printed Sweater

Cross pattern sweater at Topshop's Unique

I've posted about printed sweaters before and these can be found all over from Nordstrom to Target.  This is a fun trend to pop a plain sweater.  Try layering a chambray shirt underneath with a studded collar. 

5. Oversize Jacket

Oversized jacket at Carven 

The oversize jacket takes inspiration from the 80s but this time around, forget the shoulder pads! This look is a bit slouchy but definitely comfy! Plus you will be able to deal with a lot of layering underneath. 

How many trends will you wear this season?

Models @ Work

Fashion Week is going on all over the world for spring/summer 2013 and I just love the social media coverage with instagram and twitter! It is the best way to connect with people working all around the clock to make these shows happen. 

 If you have ever read my blog you have probably seen me post a few times about Cara Delevingne.  She is definitely my "It" girl of the moment along with everybody else.  She had rocked shows all over the world this season.  This lovely article was written in March but still stays relevant. 

Anyways, there are so many lovely photos of models and shows that I really have to highlight from the past fashion weeks (Milan is going on right now, and Paris next!).

 via twitter

 via twitter

via twitter @ashish

via twitter @meadham kirchoff

via twitter @mary katrantzou

via twitter @topshop unique

The list could go on for these lovely photos from the past fashion weeks of this season!  Take a look for yourself and get ready for spring/summer 2023 by spotting all the trends. 

Fall Style: The Brooch

Some might see it as old lady swag but it's time to change that thought.  

The standard brooch is a fall staple item that can change up a whole look. It can be worn on a scarf, jacket, hat, collar, etc. 

There are a lot of fun brooches out there, especially vintage which are usually pretty cheap.

I personally have a few great pieces from my grandma's collection which I am super stoked to break out! 

1. Arrow Brooch

2. Bottega Veneta Brooch

3. Cat Brooch 

4. Vintage Chanel Brooch

5. Tasha Fern Brooch

How will you wear the brooch this fall??

Fall style: Oxblood

Right now... 

the real show is happening and I'm talking about the runway show that is street fashion.  It's fashion week in all parts of the world through September and while the trends on the $1,000,000 runways are the main attraction, I love looking at what is happening on the streets.  The people who attend fashion week are the fashion innovators and leaders of style.  Whether its in New York, London, Paris, Milan, etc, the streets are lined with the most amazing of fashions for fall 2012 and future seasons. 

Whats hot right now? 

Oxblood!

It has been spotted all over the streets this fashion week.  And I'm talking purses, pants, dresses, tops, shoes... its endless!

refinery29.com

refinery29.com

refinery29.com

refinery29.com

thefashionspot.com

stylelist.com

Will you be a part of the oxblood trend this season?