The Fictional Fashion Fix: May 2010

May 28, 2010

ALEX OWENS: FLASHDANCE

Alex Owens. Welder turn star dancer and also started some of the most iconic trends of the 80s that have carried through to modern times.

You know those leg warmers? What about that sweatshirt slumped off one shoulder? Or ripped jeans? Well, you have Flashdance to thank.

Alex is the perfect example of how to look good without trying too hard. Pay attention to her style to know how to dress comfortably and look cute and fun at the same time.

Here's some examples of looks typical for Alex:

Color Palette:

Neutrals like grey and black with dashes of bright color.

Style Influences:

Heavy influence from dance-wear, also some menswear styles.

Key Features:

Leotards. More than merely dance-wear but also a fun fashion piece.

Off-the-shoulder sweatshirts. The famous grey one Alex wears is classic but any shade is a great way to incorporate Alex's style into your own look.

Ripped, distressed jeans.Use these as an opportunity to balance your outfit . Tighter, more fitted top? You can let your jeans be worn a little looser like Alex does. For bigger sweatshirts or tops try a more fitted style of jean.

Accessories:

Bright or neon accents. 80s style was all about a big statement, so a pop of bright color stays true to the era and adds an element of interest.

Legwarmers. Dancer or not these remain a style staple of the 80s that has made a reappearance in modern fashion.

Bold and feminine jewelery. Tone down the ultra-casual effect of the style with pretty earrings, bracelets, hair pieces etc that are big enough to make an impact.

Now lets look at some examples of Alex-Inspired outfits that you could put together!

OUTFIT #1

Sweatshirt: Alloy, Tank Top: Her Room, Leggings: Forever21, Shoes: Urban Outfitters, Earrings: Forever21

This outfit is inspired by Alex's most iconic look. Try wearing this when hanging out or going to a movie with friends.

This lightweight grey sweatshirt is already made with a wide neckline, which is more polished than one cut yourself making appropriate for a wider variety of occasions. Also try with skinny jeans to make it party appropriate.
A sheer lace tank top looks pretty and feminine peek out from underneath the sweatshirt while incorporating a modern trend.
Simple black leggings are a great staple to any girl's wardrobe, when wearing under a sweatshirt or long shirt look for a heavy pair or buy a size bigger to avoid possible transparency.
A fun, bright flat is pretty and brings a little punch.
Big silver hoop earrings bring a touch of glam to an ultra-casual look.

OUTFIT #2

Leotard: American Apparel, Shorts: Forever21, Shoes: DSW, Hat: Forever21, Socks: Topshop

This outfit shows how to incorporate dance-wear into your style in a fun and casual-cute way for a great daytime look.

A long-sleeved cotton leotard in black and white skinny stripes helps the piece transition from dance-wear to everyday fashion.
Have Alex's ripped work jeans look in mind with a pair of distressed denim shorts.
A trucker cap adds some sassy style.
Give another nod to dance-wear with a pair of jazz-flat oxfords. Look for cute detailing like these sequined toes.
A sweet pair of lacy bobby socks adds feminine appeal to counteract the simplicity of the other elements.

Here are a few stores to get Alex-like looks:

American Apparel

Forever 21

Ragstock

May 26, 2010

HOLLY GOLIGHTLY: BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S

One of history's most influential actresses and fashion figures, Audrey Hepburn rocked the world with her iconic role as the ever glamorous, New York socialite, Holly Golightly. Her styles adorned in this film have been considered classic and remained stylish since the films release. If you don't know this film, I highly recommend seeing it.

Holly has two distinct sides of her style but whether she is looking glamorous and dignified or casually soft and pretty she always looks stunning.

Here are some examples of looks typical for Holly

Color Palette:

Her wardrobe has pretty wide variety but black and grey seem to be her color staples. Muted shades as well like blush pink and camel.

Style Influences:

Mod 60s fashion of the times but also classic 1950s looks.

Also, the film itself in a way created entirely new trends, so more than being influenced it created influence.

Key Features:

Holly's most iconic piece, the little black dress, a staple to any womans closet.

Sparkle. Holly's party looks are all about the glam and looking fabulous.

Making basics beautiful. Holly is a master of taking simple pieces and fitting them and accessorizing just right.

Accessories:

Pearl necklaces, especially multi-stranded ones. Wear thick and short stranded necklaces to add interest to a basic dress and bring focus upward to the face.

Diamond rings, tiaras, bracelets, name it, pile on the sparkle!

Statement hats. Add drama with wide brims, big flowers or bold colors.

Wayfarer sunglasses, most recognized as "Ray Bans".

Now lets look at some examples of Holly-Inspired outfits that you could put together!

OUTFIT #1

Dress:Modcloth, Shoes:Endless, Sunglasses:Forever21, Short Pearl Necklace:Forever21, Layered Pearl Necklace:Forever21, Gold Necklace:Forever21, Ring:CharlotteRusse

This outfit takes inspiration from Holly's signature look and would be perfect for a cocktail party, fancy dinner or a night out to see a show.

A simple classic LBD (little black dress) in a mid length cut and high neckline is a great modern take on Holly's classic gown.
Black pumps are a must for Holly's style, look for a pointed toe!
A great pair of dark sunglasses add to any Holly-Inspired ensemble, cat-eye and wayfarer styles both look great.
Layer several necklaces for a unique and pretty look. Combine similar color palettes, like pearl and gold but play with varying thicknesses and lengths.
A sparkly and large cocktail ring is the perfect finishing touch.

OUTFIT #2

Sweater:Jcrew, Jeans:Gap, Shoes:Endless, Headwrap:Anthropologie

This look takes inspiration from Holly's casual house look and would be perfect for any casual daytime or downtime occasion.

A sweet beige cashmere sweater is comfortable and pretty with ribbon edging
A classic pair of skinny jeans balance the loose sweater and in a flattering dark wash could transition between daytime to a casual nighttime setting.
A simple brown ballet flat is comfortable and feminine.
Instead of wrapping a towel around your head like Holly did, try a thick head-wrap for a fun nod to her look.

Here are a few stores to get Holly-like looks:

Nordstroms.com

JCrew.com

ModCloth.com

May 24, 2010

ALICE: ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Once an innocent dreamer now enchanting dream girl, Alice in Wonderland is a darling and whimsical character with undeniably intriguing style. Alice combines classically girly looks with a darker, twisted fantasy edge that is fit for a wonderland.

Here's some examples of looks typical for Alice:

Color Palette:

Light blue as the foundation for each outfit, accents in white and black

Style Influences:

Victorian, Fairytale, Fantasy

Key Features:

The blue dress. In its many shapes and forms Alice's signature blue dress is a must when it comes to getting her look and adding to her innocent appeal.

Girly detailing. Ruffles, puff sleeves, cloth covered buttons and bows. These details are prevalent in her dresses but also accessories.

A feminine silhouette through an accented waist and full skirt

Accessories:

The headband, particularly one with a bow. An iconic piece for the original Disney animation of Alice.

White tights are a girly staple and compliment the light blue shades of Alice's wardrobe. Look not only for the classic solid tights, also see for lace or cutout versions that can add dimension and extra feminine detailing.

Charming and unusual jewelry. Alice's world is all about surprise and things out of the ordinary. Jewelry is the perfect way to incorporate an interesting twist and possible conversation piece.

Now lets look at some examples of Alice-Inspired outfits that you could put together.

OUTFIT #1

Dress: Urban Outfitters, Tights: Walgreens, Shoes: Payless, Headband: Kohls, Necklace: ASOS

This outfit takes inspiration for the classic Alice look that would be great for any daytime look.

A sweet blue dress like this is full of adorable details and is an easy-to-wear piece.
White tights are a must for any Alice-Inspired style, and this pair is a great affordable basic.
These matte leather Mary-Jane heels are simple but sweet, adding to but not overpowering the look.
A silver headband in a nature pattern alludes to Alice's enchanted forest adventure while adding a little shine.
A dainty necklace with a key charm is a great way to subtly add details from Alice's story in a cute and stylish way.

OUTFIT #2

Top: Shopbop, Skirt: SaksFifthAvenue, Shoes: Payless, Headbands: Forever21, Belt: ASOS

This is a look more loosely inspired by Alice's look but is equally adorable and full of Alice-elements!

This look would be perfect for a going out look to dinner, dancing or just a night on the town!

This teal top has loose sleeves and off-the-shoulder construction balanced by a fitted middle, perfect for wearing with skirts while the ruffles at the top are pretty and dynamic.
The white skirt is a draw from Alice's classic pinafore. A high waist and pleats accent the feminine look and is great for pairing with a looser top.
A black skinny belt further accents the waist and is crisp contrasting to a white skirt.
White sling-back pumps are are fun way to make the look more sophisticated and balance the sugary sweet look of a high waisted skirt.
A black bow headband is also classically "Alice". This pair comes in a set of two, and wearing them together is a fun twist on the basic single strand.

Here are a few stores to get Alice-like looks:

Forever21.com

UrbanOutfitters.com

Topshop.com

May 20, 2010

BLAIR WALDORF: GOSSIP GIRL

Who else to start taking inspiration from but the Upper-East Side's most fashionable diva?

Blair is the perfect example of how to make the prep-school look chic and everyday appropriate.

She is polished, feminine, put-together and her outfits are always coordinated, balancing statement pieces with well-tailored basics.

Here's some examples of looks typical of Blair:

Color Palette:

Centered around navy blues and whites

Style Influences:

Prep-School, Nautical (sailor style)

Key Features:

Skirts and dresses, Blair is rarely seen sporting pants.

Also, pops of bright color! Her favorites tend to be red and yellow.

Variations on the classic oxford shirt. With cute sleeve details, buttons or front ruffles, the typical white button shirt gets a new edge!

Designer labels, Blair likes everyone to know she is top notch and wearing designer clothing is an easy way to do it, however, most of us are not willing or able to drop that much dough on clothes or a purse so we can easily obtain her spendy look without actually buying designer items.

Accessories:

Headbands and ribbons, hair accessories are a must when in comes to finishing an outfit fit for Blair.

Tights! Because her style is so skirt and dress dominant, tights are a classic way for Blair to accessorize her outfit. Of course, there's the classic black but also white and bright colors are known to be adorned by this fashionista!

Ties and scarves, coming from a prep school background ties and neck scarves are a popular trend of hers to wear with her basic white button-up shirts.

Now let's look at some examples of Blair-Inspired outfits that you could put together!

OUTFIT #1

Shirt: New York & Co. , Skirt: Nordstroms, Tights: Target, Shoes: Endless.com, Headband, Forever 21, Neck Scarf: Burberry

This is an outfit that would be a classic look for easily transitioning from school to daytime activities.

A crisp, fitted white shirt is a great basic that's easy to accessorize and match with many different looks.
A classic navy pleated skirt is a must for any "Blair" look for a prep-school vibe that can transition between different styles.
Black tights, a neutral color, work with anything, and Blair's style is a great example of breaking the myth that navy and black cannot go together.
A bow headband adds feminine detailing and polish.
Red mary jane high heels add a pop of bright color to a basic palette.
A silk scarf from Burberry is a way to incorporate Blair's affinity for designer brands on a lower dosage while adding a pop of color and a stylish addition to a simple top.

OUTFIT #2

Dress: ASOS, Trench Coat: Macys, Tights: Express, Shoes: Endless.com, Headband: Anthropologie

This is a look that would be great for going out to lunch, shopping or meeting friends.

A navy, nautical inspired dress is simple yet makes a statement. This one is a fun twist on Blair's neck tie look by having the pattern already on the dress!
A great white trench coat is a must-have piece for any girl who wears a lot of dresses and skirts because of it's longer length. A light-weight version is a stylish and functional piece that can transition in and out of chilly winters. Look for one with a belt or tie to cinch in the waist!
Bright red tights, the color pop is key!
A great pair of patent leather black flats are great for going out because they are comfortable but the shine adds something special to a simple shoe!
A bright red floral headband is another pretty way to show off Blair's fondness of headbands.

Here are a few stores to get Blair-like looks:

Macys.com

Nordstroms.com

AnnTaylor.com