My Muse: NYC

Fashion is all around us. It's in magazines, on billboards, and in our best friends' closets. But I find the streets of New York City most inspiring. I take the train into the city twice a week for my internship, and although I only walk a few blocks to my building, my head is swirling with ideas for new outfits by the time I arrive.

Fashion Avenue is always buzzing with locals and tourists from all over the world. In the midst of all the chaos, I like to notice what people are wearing. Sometimes I'll be so distracted that I bump into someone or get my heel stuck in a grate on the sidewalk, but at least I noticed a pair of killer shoes, right?

One thing I noticed about New Yorkers is their knack for layering. During the cold winter months, the streets of New York are filled with patterned coats, bright leggings, and every kind of boot imaginable. It's amazing to see so many people keeping warm in style!

It doesn't matter if you live in the city, the country, or the fashion capital of the world. Wherever you live, open your eyes to the fashion around you. Look for elements of style in your grandma, a crossing guard, or even a homeless person (à la Mary-Kate Olsen). With a little creativity and an open mind, you can draw inspiration from just about anyone.

Even Halloween Has Fashion Don'ts!

I saw a man in the city today with a straggly braided ponytail held together by--wait for it...--a puffy orange scrunchie. Maybe he just swiped his daughter's hair accessory to be festive for Halloween, but this guy's bold move is a total fashion flop.

Unless you're dressed as Oliva Newton John during her "Let's Get Physical" era, please, burn all of your leftover scrunchies from the eighties. Or bury them in a time capsule with your New Kids On The Block lunchbox.

Fashion Obsession Of The Moment

Flashy handbags are so five minutes ago. Make a statement with colored flats!

It all started with a pair of hot pink patent flats. I had a black and white outfit at home that was screaming to be worn with a pair of bright shoes, and these were the perfect match. Plus, they were on sale for $7.

A few days later, I picked up a pair from Old Navy in purple suede. They go great with brown, black, white, gray, cream, and even hunter green. Who would’ve thought?

I’m keeping an eye outh for flats in navy, red, and green. I want a collection that puts Roy G. Biv to shame!

Beauty Obsession Of The Moment

Stash away your pink and coral summer hues because, for nails, this fall is all about going vamp. My latest obsession: navy nails. They’re dark, sophisticated and not nearly as harsh as black.

Last week, I bought O.P.I.'s “Russian Navy,” expecting the color to be the shimmery purple shade of the bottle (I know, the name should have been a dead giveaway). At first, I didn’t know how I felt about my blue nails. It reminded me of 8th grade, when I swapped rainbow-colored nail polish with my best friends. But before long, it was love.

The color is perfect for going out at night, but versatile enough for school and work. Shades of gray go great with navy nails. Add a silver accessory or two and, voilà! Instant class.

A Funky Paradise for Cost-Conscious Shopaholics

Thrift shopping has become my new addiction. I love bringing secondhand clothes back to life, and thrift store buys are always affordable. But sometimes it can be discouraging. I often leave the local Goodwill empty handed after hunting through racks of summer camp tee shirts and shoulder pads. The trick to thrift shopping is knowing the right places to look, and recently I found the jackpot for secondhand steals.

Buffalo Exchange sells only stylish, quality secondhand items, which means you won't find any of grandma's old Christmas sweaters. When I visited the Philadelphia location, I brought armfuls of skirts, tops, and dresses into the fitting room. I wanted to buy it all, but I limited myself to one killer dress and a funky turquoise necklace. Total price: $20.

I loved Buffalo Exchange so much that I had to travel back into the city for a second helping. This time, I brought bags of clothes, shoes, and accessories with me that I was able to exchange for half the price they’d sell for. I could’ve opted for 30 percent of the selling price in cash, but the store credit was a better deal and I planned to make a few purchases anyway.

The lady behind the counter had a funky, eclectic style that complimented her tattoos. I was surprised when she recognized me, and we instantly hit it off. She let me shop as she sorted through my donations.

At one point, "It’s Raining Men" by the Weather Girls blasted through the speakers. The entire store sang and shopped in unison, including the employees. The experience as a whole was a refreshing alternative to my usual department store shopping sprees, and the friendly vibes made shopping that much more satisfying. I left Buffalo Exchange with a bagful of clothes and an ear-to-ear grin that stayed plastered on my face even after I realized that my parking meter had expired.

Not only does Buffalo Exchange make shoppers happier by offering amazing secondhand purchases, the company helps improve the environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, about 10.6 million tons of textiles were generated in 2003, making up 4 percent of total U.S. municipal solid waste. Reusing old clothes and accessories helps decrease the amount of waste we create. In addition, Buffalo Exchange has saved millions of bags by offering shoppers a token instead of a shopping bag. For each token, the store also donates five cents to a charity of the shopper’s choice.

There are currently thirty Buffalo Exchange locations in twelve states, including stores in major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Chicago. Don’t have a Buffalo Exchange in your town? Don’t fret – there are plenty of thrift stores around the country. To find thrift stores in your area, visit thethriftshopper.com.

Visit the Buffalo Exchange Website

Cross-posted at University Chic

What's In Your Closet, Mom?

I have a mom who stands out in a crowd. She may be over fifty, but she looks (and acts) a whole lot younger. While searching the mall for her Mother’s Day gift, I was inspired to write this piece about my mom’s wardrobe and her favorite clothes.

The classic black dress is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. “There’s a lot you can do with a black dress,” my mom says, “I wear a lot of accessories.” For work, simple gold hoop earrings do the trick, or she’ll pair her black dress with a strand of pearls when she wants to look “hoity toity.”

My mom found her favorite dress at a little boutique and instantly fell in love with it. It was pricey, but it the fabric hugged and hid all the right places. It also goes great with her tiered pink and white pearl necklace that she loves. My mom wore this dress for one year for Easter and always brings it on vacation. “It’s very easy to pack, it’s summery, and it’s very comfortable.” she says.


During spring and summer, my mom lives in gaucho pants, capris, and bermuda shorts. Her black gaucho pants are stylish, yet sophisticated enough for work. “A pair of black gauchos can take you from the office, then out to dinner.” she says. My mom’s only tip for wearing gauchos: don’t pair them with flats.


When she’s aiming for comfort, my mom puts on her cargo shorts from Express. “You don’t have to worry about them hiking up your ass!” she says. The crinkled fabric and hemline that falls just above the knee make the shorts stylish, yet appropriate for momwear.

“These things make me look so thin!” my mom says as she pulls her black bermuda shorts from her closet. “And I even got them at Penny’s.” My mom wears bermuda shorts with flats, heels, and wedges. Because they’re so versatile, she likes to have fun with them. At night or at the office she’ll wear her bermuda shorts with a flowy top, or she’ll pair them with bright tees for daytime.


“Tankinis are good for the mature mother.” my mom says – although I wouldn’t consider her a “mature” mother. Nonetheless, swimwear can be tricky for moms. Bikinis are usually too revealing, and many moms fall victims to awful one-pieces with built in skirts. Tankinis show just enough skin and won’t give you funny tan lines.


When it comes to shoes, my mom’s collection is pretty impressive. She has it all: strappy sandals, pointed-toe heels, flip flops, sneakers, and even cowboy boots (if only we had the same size feet!). She has dressy shoes in brown and black, which are perfect for important business meetings and dinner dates. She loves her comfortable Kenneth Cole Reaction sandals, with their low heel and slip resistant sole. Her beige Anne Klein heels are more difficult to walk in, but still adorable. My mom wears them with her favorite coral dress. “They make the outfit.” she says.


“Believe it or not, these are Easy Spirit.” my mom says, pointing to a pair of black sandals with silver buckles. Her casual footwear is cute and comfortable. When she’s laying by the pool or going to the grocery store, she likes to wear her cheap (five dollars!) flip flops from Wal-Mart. The turquoise beads match a lot of her spring and summer outfits, which always make her blue eyes pop. For a sexier look, my mom wears black sandals by Nine West. “They’re harder to balance,” she admits, but my mom has always been a firm believer that beauty sometimes requires a little sacrifice.

I love my mom’s style because it’s not ordinary, yet it’s not over-the-top either. She’s stylish without being flashy. Although she calls me her “fashion consultant,” I actually learned a lot about fashion from my mom, who always made sure I didn’t look too ridiculous when I walked out of the house. My mom and I have a great relationship, and our mutual love of fashion and the shopping addiction in our blood only make us closer.

UChic, How I Love Thee!

I found my new favorite website: University Chic. It’s an online magazine for and by college students. I log on everyday because the content is always changing. There are some really great articles on the site, all pertaining to college and fashion. And the perks aren’t bad either – members get discounts at tons of online stores and boutiques.

It’s super easy to get published on UChic, which is great for aspiring writers like me. I applied for the Chicster Network and was approved within a day, so now I can blog on the site whenever I want. Whatever I write is instantly published in whatever category I choose, so of course I put my first article on the homepage!

Today, I applied to UChic's Student Editorial Board. The position is perfect for my career goals and I’d also receive college credit if accepted. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

What's In My Closet?

This weekend, my closet underwent its annual Spring transformation. I weeded out all of the bulky, winter sweaters in my wardrobe at school and replaced them with the spring skirts and bermuda shorts that had been hibernating in the closet at my parent’s house. The pieces mixed great with some of the new clothes I’ve already bought this season and I’m having a blast making outfits for every occasion. Here are some of my wardrobe essentials for spring:

Sundresses. When I’m in a rush, I throw on a breezy sundress with a pair of sandals or flats, add a dash of accessory, and I’m ready to go. Layering a tank under a sundress with a deep neckline is also one of my favorite looks. Sundresses are simple, but stunningly flattering – not to mention, super comfortable. I always find cute, cheap sundresses at Forever 21 and Delia’s.

Bohemian skirts. I’m a bit of a hippie when I’m dressed down, so I live in flowy, boho skirts when the weather is warm. They look great with flats, sandals, and wedges and make perfect beach cover ups. I try to wear bohemian skirts with hemlines just below the knee because longer skirts accentuate my short stature and shorter skirts inevitably lead to wardrobe malfunctions.

Bermuda shorts. Initially, I was skeptical of bermuda shorts. In a day when capris and gaucho pants dominated my wardrobe, I was reluctant to give them a chance. To me, they looked boyish – like something Avril Lavigne would wear during her skater girl years. I finally gave bermuda shorts a shot last summer in the American Eagle dressing room. I expected to hate them, but they were surprisingly flattering and I instantly fell in love with the length. They’re great paired with t-shirts or tank tops and can even be sexified with a pair of stilettos. I’m addicted! I have solid colored, striped, and plaid bermuda shorts and I can’t wait to add more to my collection this season.


Lucky jeans. I love love love Lucky Brand. Their tie dye prints, peace signs, and boho theme perfectly reflect my style. I love everything from their fragrances to their accessories to their swimsuits. And don’t get me started on their jeans! I have four pairs of Lucky Jeans that I practically live in. The tattered and patched embellishings, sandblasted washes, worn in denim make Lucky jeans my ultimate weakness.


Tees. Gotta love your basic tees. Plain, printed, bold, and muted, T-shirts are simple enough to wear with anything. I’ll wear my Beatles tee with a flowy skirt for a carefree casual look, or accessorize a plain tee with tiers of necklaces to create a little spunk. Tees comfy and casual enough to wear everyday and are versatile enough to be dressed up or down. My XXL t-shirt from Pat’s Steaks (the absolute best place to get a cheese steak in Philly, by the way) was completely unwearable on my petite frame, so I used my sewing machine to transform it into a cute tee that fits in all the right places.


Flats. I wear flats with everything. Metallic flats, leopard print flats, and pointed flats are just a few pairs in my shoe collection. My mom gave me Michael Kors flats for Christmas and they’ve been my favorite ever since. In chocolate brown, they’re dark enough to wear for fall or can be paired with whites, brights, and cream for spring. And they were a total steal at Macy’s for $70.00.


My wardrobe is, by far, my most prized possession. Some students can’t be bothered sifting through their closet for an outfit and, instead, opt for a simple college tee with a pair of shorts. I, on the other hand, am the complete opposite. Sometimes I try on different clothes just for fun, even if it does turn my room into a total mess. To me, creating ensembles is worth the effort because looking like a million bucks makes me feel like a million bucks.


Cross-posted at University Chic

Satisfy Your Urge to Splurge!

The semester is almost over, summer’s just around the corner, and tax refunds are arriving in the mail. Who needs more reason to shop? Now is the perfect time to treat yourself to something big!

If you’re going to splurge, make sure your purchase is worth the money. Avoid buying unnecessary items on impulse. Instead, find classic, quality pieces that you can work into your wardrobe.

Here are some splurge-worthy buys:

• Handbags: Durable materials and quality craftsmanship can tack a few extra zeros to a handbag’s price tag, but the right bag can become a lifetime investment. Simple, timeless handbags will always be in style, like the Kate Spade classic nylon "Sam" bag. Avoid trendy purses or limited edition styles. While these bags can become great vintage pieces in the future, you probably won’t be able to wear them throughout the years. How often do you see those Coach scribble print bags that were so popular a few years ago? I rest my case.
  
• Swimwear: It’s important that your bathing suit flatters your body, and the perfect fit often isn’t cheap. Within the last decade, retailers have begun selling swimwear tops and bottoms separately, making it easier to subtly increase the price of a two-piece. Today, a good bathing suit could easily cost a hundred dollars or more, but isn’t a killer beach body worth the extra bucks?
  
• Eyewear: If you wear prescription glasses, don’t skimp on the frames. Instead, use them to enhance your style! If you already have a pair of wire-framed glasses, get a pair with plastic frames. If you have glasses with black frames, get a pair in brown. Depending on the brand and quality of the frame, designer eyewear can cost a few hundred dollars, but don’t freak. Lots of insurance companies provide discounts on eyewear and will sometimes even cover the entire price.
  
• Jewelry: Nothing makes a girl feel more glamorous than an expensive piece of jewelry. Choose something elegant and timeless, like a watch or a pair of diamond earrings. Less is more when it comes to everyday accessories, so don’t buy something gaudy if you plan to wear it frequently.

Here are some great places to splurge, all located an hour or less from the TCNJ campus:

• The Mall at Shorthills: If you’re looking to spend big on designer names, make Shorthills Mall your next shopping destination. You’re bound to find stuff worth splurging on in Cartier, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, or any of the five department stores in the mall. There’s even a Saks Fifth Avenue!
  
• The King of Prussia Mall: This Pennsylvania mall is like a dream come true for shopaholics. It’s about an hour from campus, but it’s totally worth the drive. With more than 400 stores, restaurants, and boutiques, it’s easy to spend a whole day shopping here. The exclusive shops, designer merchandise, and eight department stores make splurging inevitable at the King of Prussia Mall, so be prepared to spend, spend, spend!
  
• The Walk: This summer, skip the boardwalk and shop at The Walk, Atlantic City’s outlet shopping center. Get great deals on designer merchandise at Coach, Calvin Klein, and Kenneth Cole; or stock up on clothes for everyday at Guess, H&M, and Gap. Forty new stores are opening this summer, so save some money from the casinos!
  
• Jersey Gardens Mall: Located in Elizabeth, the Jersey Gardens Mall has over 200 oulet stores, including Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle, Old Navy, and Victoria’s Secret. Score discounted designer merchandise from Bebe, BCBG, and Neiman Marcus Last Call.
  
• Jackson Outlets: For an exciting shopping experience that isn’t an hour away, visit the Jackson Outlets about twenty-five minutes from campus. Make it an all-day splurge with a trip to Six Flags Great Adventure, which is just minutes away from the shopping center.

With exams approaching, why not plan your splurge as a post-semester reward? Don’t feel guilty about spending money on something worthwhile – you earned it!

Step Into Spring in Style

Ladies, I don’t want to see another pair of Uggs until the next snowfall – it’s officially Spring! I know it’s hard to part with your beloved boots after developing such a close bond over the winter, but I promise I’ll help you find a Spring shoe to fill that wintertime void.

Might I suggest trying flats? There are so many styles to choose from: leopard print, patent leather, satin, pointed-toe... The varieties are endless, making it easy to match a pair of flats with almost any ensemble. Dress them up with a Springy sundress, or wear them more casually with jeans and miniskirts. Use flats to define your outfit. Pair satin flats with skirts and lace for a romantic look, or wear pointed-toe metallic skimmers with skinny jeans for a rock-star edge.

As the weather gets warmer, show some toe! Peep-toe wedges are very foot-flattering. Wedge soles thin out the foot and – who knew? – even disguise cankles! Best of all, wedges can be worn with just about everything. Bermuda shorts, gaucho pants, or any length dress or skirt are perfect for wedge sandals. And because they’re so much more comfortable than heels, wedges are ideal for walking in the city or dancing at the club.

For summer, throw away your inhibitions and expose those sexy feet! Whatever you do, please don’t put them in a pair of dirty, white flip flops. Or any rubber flip flops, for that matter. Instead, stand out from the crowd in a pair of leather thong sandals. "Gladiator" sandals with lots of buckles are the hot new style for summer, or opt for sandals with straw soles for a beachy look. Thong sandals look great with peasant skirts, cropped pants, miniskirts, and cuffed or flared jeans.

This Spring, designers are going bold and eccentric with footwear. Sky-high tapered heels, chunky platforms, and superflat sandals dominate the runway this season. 80’s-inspired metallic textures are paired with Lucite heels, and neutral colored leather and suede sandals are adorned with buckles and multi-straps. Prada tacked tiny kitten heels on the bottom of arched platform soles, Armani and Calvin Klein added Swarovski crystals to several styles, and Missoni embellished chunky heels with colorful ostrich feathers. When it comes to high fashion, anything flashy and different is chic for feet.

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to spend hundreds of dollars on designer footwear. Luckily for us, inspiration is free of charge! Get the designer look with creative shoes that dominate your outfit. Don’t be afraid to be daring. This Spring is all about calling attention to your feet with unique textures, vivid colors, and funky styles. As long as you can walk without looking awkward or falling down, no shoe is too exotic. So put your best foot forward in the most fabulous shoe you can find!

Shoe shopping doesn’t have to break your bank, either. Hunt through the racks at TJ Maxx and raid the aisles of DSW shoes for unique styles and great deals on designer footwear. Designer outlet stores are great for bargains, too. If you’re an online shopper, try search engines like Froogle or Yahoo! Shopping to find the best online deals. It’s also not a bad idea to try shoes on for size and comfort in a department store before purchasing them from an online retailer.

But remember, no matter how hot your shoes may be, your feet won’t look sexy with dry, cracked heels or chipped polish. Pedicures – or at least painted toenails – are a must for spring and summer footwear. And, please, don’t forget to get rid of those hairs on your big toe!

Britney Spears: Comeback Queen or Hopelessly Helpless?

What happened to the old Britney Spears? You remember her: the belly-baring blonde bombshell who rocked our world with stripteases and spectacular performances. Lately, Britney just looks disheveled in the midst of her chaotic life. After splitting from Kevin Federline (finally!) she’s been photographed partying with Paris Hilton, exposing her naughty bits, and even shaving her head. Her crazy antics have landed her in rehab, and some think she’s too far gone for a comeback.

Ironically, Britney’s style (and often lack thereof) has mirrored her life and career as a pop princess. In 1998, the world was introduced to Britney as an innocent (but "not that innocent") teen pop idol who set trends with her pigtails and risqué Catholic schoolgirl uniform. America got to know and love the famous Britney and Justin duo in 2000. Glowing with happiness, Britney looked stunning in a sleek, black dress the night the couple publicly debuted their love by sitting next to each other at the MTV Video Music Awards. Except for their awful matching denim outfits at the American Music Awards, Britney’s style remained in tip-top shape throughout her relationship with Justin.

The great schism was announced in March, 2002: Britney and Justin had broken up. Rumors flew about the breakup, but Brit kept herself looking good. Later that year, she wore a full-length, multicolored Versace gown for the designer’s runway show, where she was photographed getting chummy with Donnatella herself. In 2003, Britney made jaws drop with the open-mouthed kiss she shared with Madonna at the MTV Video Music Awards. She was shocking and independent, which put her on the road to becoming a diva.

In January, 2004, Britney married childhood friend Jason Alexander on a drunken whim, sparking the dramatic descent of her life and style. Britney was able to get the marriage annulled, but that didn’t stop her downward spiral and fashion catastrophes.

Eight months later, Britney was back at the altar; this time with her back-up dancer, Kevin Federline. After the marriage, Britney rarely wore make up or did her hair. Trucker hats and sweatpants overtook her designer wardrobe and she was often photographed in public not wearing a bra.

Britney gave birth to her first child in September, 2005 and her second child in September, 2006. In November, she filed for divorce. Britney’s life was changing so fast, and her stress was evident in her unkempt appearance. Shortly after her split from K-Fed, Britney and Paris Hilton shared a pair of fishnet stockings at a Los Angeles club. In February, Britney swapped her red mini-dress for a go-go dancer’s teeny bikini at a club in downtown New York. Britney was seen partying almost every night in a different, heinous outfit.

But is it too soon to give up on Britney? Let’s face it – everyone wants to know what she’s going to do next. She has the world in the palm of her hands right now. It’s the perfect time for Britney to turn around her negative image with a head-to-toe makeover.

A new look coupled with a new album would be the ultimate winning combination for Britney. According to MTV News, hip-hop producer Timbaland wants to work with Britney on her new album. Timbaland gave Nelly Furtado a whole new sound on her album, Loose, and collaborated with Justin Timberlake on FutureSex/LoveSounds. If Timbaland can get Justin on board, Britney’s album will be a surefire hit (and maybe they can even rekindle their love!)

With Timbaland to the rescue, Britney just needs is a stylist and she’ll be back on the road to success. Rachel Zoe, who transformed Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie from trash-o-nistas to fashionistas, would be perfect for crafting Britney’s new look. If Britney started putting her life together by reinventing her style, she could work towards reinventing herself.

Faking It

We see designer brands everywhere: Coach, Louis Vuitton, Dooney & Bourke, Chanel. It seems like everyone and their mother has a designer bag these days. When did everyone get so rich?

The modern woman’s best kept secret is no longer her age, but the authenticity of her handbag. It’s become an unspoken fact that most of the "designer" bags we see women wearing aren’t the real thing.

Knockoff handbags are illegal to sell, but that doesn’t make them difficult to buy. Vendors set up carts on the streets of New York, women throw "purse parties," and countless online stores sell replica handbags. We live in an era where designer logos are slapped on anything and everything, and these replicas are affordable and easy to find.

But are you really getting a great deal? Knockoff bags are cheaper for a reason: they lack the quality and craftsmanship of the real thing. Designer bags have clear and distinct logos. Seams are evenly spaced and the fabric or leather is never puckered. Zippers do not get stuck, and snaps and buttons do not come loose. A designer bag will last a lifetime.

In an episode of Sex and the City, Carrie couldn’t bring herself to buy a knockoff bag out of the trunk of a car. She knew she’d be able to fool people into thinking it was legit, but the "Made in China" tag on the inside would be a constant reminder of her bag’s true identity. You may be able to convince others that you have a designer handbag, but you will always know that your bag is a fake. For some women that’s all that matters.

Others see nothing wrong with wearing a knockoff bag. Why splurge on the real thing? A close replica selling for hundreds – sometimes even thousands – of dollars less than retail price can be a great deal. Plus, it’s only illegal to sell knockoff purses – it’s perfectly legal to buy them.

If you’re going to wear a knockoff, just don’t wear a bad one. There’s nothing tackier than a "Prado" or "Goach" bag. The only way to avoid such a calamity is to know the authentic product. It’s not a bad idea to visit high-end department stores like Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom to see the real bag in person. You don’t want to be stuck with a knockoff Fendi bag shaped like a Louis Vuitton.

It also helps to know the common mistakes found in knockoffs. The CC logo on Chanel replicas is often thicker than the logo on the real bag. Kate Spade knockoffs usually have bulky, metal feet, while the real bags have flat feet or none at all. Zippers with cloth or leather pulls are also clues that a bag isn’t real, and cheap or unfitted lining is another giveaway. The more you compare real bags to fakes, the more discrepancies you’ll be able to pick out.

And beware of buying bags online. Whether you’re looking for a discount on a real designer bag, or searching for the closest replica, online shopping can be risky. EBay has around 800 listings for Louis Vouitton bags. Some, like the Louis Vuitton Morgane Polka Dot Fleurs handbag selling for $11,000, are probably the real deal. But hundreds of other eBay listings sell obvious knockoffs for a fraction of the retail price. And even if you’re looking to buy a knockoff, it’s hard to assess the quality of the bag from a picture on a website.

Whether your handbag is real or fake is your secret – just be prepared for people to ask about its authenticity.

Define Your Personal Style

At twelve years old, my favorite outfit to wear to summer camp was a pair of light blue denim shorts--cuffed--worn over green or maroon tights with my black and white striped tee (It had cutout shoulders, which blew my mind). I would top off the ensemble with my beat up Sketchers, which were basically Converse knockoffs, but I thought they were cooler because everyone else had Chucks. Looking back, I probably could have done without the tights. It was summer, we were outdoors, and sometimes they made us play sports (not a pretty sight).

Thankfully, my style evolved as I grew up. I no longer wear platform sneakers or my Hot Topic "parachute" jeans from 8th grade.Throughout the years, I’ve defined myself as a person, and I’ve come to develop a style that reflects who I am.

Sure, it’s nice to roll out of bed and go to class in sweat pants. I can’t argue with that. We can’t all be Victoria Beckhams, spending every second of our lives in haute couture. Still, your personal appearance is your first impression to the world and should reflect your individuality. Using your wardrobe to make a statement can be very liberating and, for me at least, is always worth the extra effort.

You don’t have to follow the trends. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. How are you supposed to stand out if you look like everyone else? You don’t need to be "fashionable" to be stylish. Maybe you can’t stand Ugg boots or skinny jeans or leggings. So don’t wear them! Instead of buying an outfit from Abercrombie and Fitch, spend your money at an obscure boutique. It’s better to find quality pieces of clothing that aren’t so common.

Here are some tips help you define your style:

• Know what looks good on you. Wear cuts that flatter your figure and colors that accentuate your best features. Know what trends you can pull off and which ones make you feel silly. Find pieces that feel right to create an outfit that’s truly you. A second opinion never hurts, so try on different styles with a friend, or even with your mom (she’s around for a reason, you know!)
  
• Experiment with fashion by wearing a new style everyday. Refuse to be a typecast! It’s always fun to surprise people by being fashionably unpredictable. It’s also a great way to figure out what styles look best on you and what you’re most comfortable wearing.
  
• If you’re creative, invest in a sewing machine. Customize clothes that you already have or create pieces from scratch with patterns from a craft store.
  
• Never underestimate the power of accessories! They add that extra oomph to an outfit. Wear an oversized bag or a flashy clutch with a simple outfit, or pair a scoop-neck shirt with big earrings instead of a necklace. Mix and match to find the perfect combinations. You’ll be amazed at your creations.
  
• Develop a style trademark, like Jackie O. and her giant sunglasses, or Mary-Kate Olsen and her shabby-chic. It’s easy to find a signiture style trait that sets you apart from the crowd. If you look great in headbands, start a headband collection and coordinate them with your outfits.
  
• Don’t let the thrift store gross you out. Second-hand clothes are unique and eclectic, not to mention affordable. These places are gold mines for creating original and quirky outfits. Serious hunting at the thrift store can lead to great vintage finds. And as long as it isn’t stained and doesn’t smell, I say it’s fair game.

So go home and open your closet. Dig through your shoes and sift through your accessories. Create ensambles from what you already have, and shop for new pieces to add a fresh twist to old outfits. Wear your creations with pride – you are an artist, and your outfit is your masterpiece!