Perpetual Awkwardness: fashion

Links a la Mode

By Unknown 5:39 PM blogger, fashion, fashion blogger, heartifb, links a la mode

Note to Self

By Unknown 4:40 PM advice, fashion, introspective, me, note to self, personal

Oh, 17 year-old-about-to-graduate-high-school Anna, over the course of the next 4 year your plans will go so off course that sometimes you lose yourself. But you adapt nonetheless, which has gotten you this far and although you won't be attending U of M or graduating before you turn 22 like you originally anticipated, you will have made the most stringent and brutal journey that will result in self-discovery and peace of mind.

But for now, here is some advice to ease your mind and your impending journey:

Ask for help. I know you hate to, partially because you don't want to bother anyone with your requests and also because your independent, self-sufficient mind tells you that you can do it on your own, but you will need help. Admitting when you need help is your biggest weakness. Don't just ask once. Ask until you get what you need. Exhaust every possibility because there are people who are willing and capable of helping. You just have to find them.

"Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you. " Matthew 7:7

Some people are nice ideas. The caveat being that the idea of a person rarely matches up with the reality of that person. You will do this time and time again, where you project your ideal person on to someone and you're so infatuated with the idea of them that you forget who they really are. You'll see what I'm talking about soon.

Humility is not thinking less of yourself. But thinking of yourself less. This is a C. S. Lewis quote I picked up and it will change the way you feel about yourself. Berating and belittling yourself and your accomplishments only serves to hinder progress, in every aspect of life. Tell yourself "You got this" every once and a while because you do.

It's okay to be single. I know it can be lonely, but don't look for someone to define or fix you. Don't look for your "better-half" or whatever they say. Look for someone to share your life with.

Everything will be okay. No matter what you're feeling press on. You will hit rock bottom and it will be the most terrifying thing you ever endure, but it gets better.

Run your own race. Quite possibly the best advice you will receive from a friend. Do what you have to do, regardless of what everyone else is doing. You aren't in competition with people and comparing your accomplishments with theirs will reaffirm the idea that life is indeed a competition. It is not. Decide what you want out of life and don't do something simply because it is expected of you.

On a positive note,

I would like to congratulate you on making it through the next 4 years. Your list of accomplishments may not be long, but they will mean the world to you:

-You will battle crippling depression and you will win.

-You will excel at Michigan State (Go Green, I guess).

-You will move out.

-You will get a programming job, while still in school.

-You will complete a C++ certificate program with a gpa of 3.95.

-You will have a fashion blog, that will win several awards.

-You will be happy.

Circa 2014

Although we may look similar (besides the glasses (yeah, you get glasses (get excited))), the juxtaposition of our expressions proves we are not the same person, what with your innocent smile and my introspective gaze into the distance. Embrace the change. You will come out of all of this a better and stronger person. Promise.

Go get 'em and good luck,
Anna

Mother's Day Brunch

By Unknown 7:30 PM elle, fashion, fashion blog, forever 21, kohls, little white dress, mother's day, style, white dress

Nerd Status

By Unknown 6:18 PM american eagle, button-down, fashion, fashion blog, h&m, kohl's, lauren conrad, LC, nerd, Oxfords, pacsun, polka dots, steve madden, sweater

Fall Fashion

By Unknown 6:48 PM burgundy skirt, fall fashion, fashion, forever 21, j crew, military, military pin, outfits, Oxfords, polka dot oxfords, polka dots, tights, uniform, velvet skirt

Hello! I’m Anna’s cousin, Sidney, who will be a guest blogger for the moment as she is very busy! I hope you’ll bear with me, as I’m not as good of a fashion blogger as she is, but I’ll try my best! X

As Fashion Week keeps rolling on, debuting high-end fashion’s latest styles, you’ll start to see more affordable chain brands are starting to transition into fall wear and putting them on the racks. Although the summer heat is still going strong, it’s always best to hit the mall when the newest looks are out on display! (You’ll wear that sweater in two weeks; don’t worry about whether you’ll be wearing it tomorrow!) So, how can you incorporate some of the new fall trends into your style?

Military

Military trend always comes back full speed during the fall! The army greens, camo, and gold embellishments adorn just about everything you see in the stores. Scared to test out such a look? Incorporate military-inspired pieces slowly – stick a pin like this one, from Forever 21, onto a jacket to give it a bit of edge!

Forever 21 Military-Inspired Pin

If you are willing to go all-out commando, try thrifting airforce jumpsuits or buying a pair of over-the-knee boots. Watch the length of the over-the-knee boot, however, and what you wear it with! Too flashy of a skirt can look displeasing or risqué, but match it with a modest skirt or short and you’re set.

Uniform

Another trend that comes around each season is uniform-inspired looks. Although this fad could get a bit drab as the years roll on, this season the studious clothes have been given a bit of edge! The best thing to keep in mind with trying to wear these pieces is to avoid looking Clueless, 90’s prep. Thankfully, so long as your wardrobe consists of a little bit of edge or more modern pieces, you’re safe with these staples! Cute pieces to look out for include elbow-pad sweaters, polka dot or striped trousers, thigh highs, pleated skirts, and oxfords!

JCrew Oxfords

Burgundy Skirt + Tight

These two trends are classic fall attire, but with the proper styling can be taken to a whole new level! Metallic accessories and clothes are still popular and selling in stores – incorporating a stylish, modern trend such as this ups the level of chic in a wardrobe with classic pieces. Mess around with tights, socks, skirts, and best of all – jackets and sweaters! This season mess around with minimal and layered jewelry. The best part about fall clothes is the experimental aspects that come with each garment. So feel free to test your style to your heart’s content – hopefully, one of these trends will become a part of your daily style!

Summer Staple

By Unknown 5:39 PM colorblocked maxi dress, fashion, fashion blog, kohls, lauren conrad, LC, lc maxi dress, lc sunglasses, maxi, maxi dress, oval sunglasses, style, sunglasses

Making the Switch: From Google Reader to Social Media

By Unknown 12:33 PM blog, fashion, fashion blog, gfc, google reader, style

Mastering Trends: 3 Summer Trends to Scrutinize

By Unknown 7:10 PM Alice + Olivia, crop top, Dorothy Perkins, drop waist, fashion, lucite heels, Miss Real, polyvore, Reiss, style, summer trends, summer trends 2013, trends

A general rule that I have for myself and try to stress in my posts is to not follow trends blindly. Looking at something that walks down the runway and incorporating it into your wardrobe requires time and scrutinization. I picked out a few Summer trends to be weary of as you look to update your wardrobe:

1). The Drop-Waist

The drop-waist I've seen quite a lot of. The problem with the drop-waist, is the fact that the waist sits so low. It lengthens your torso and stunts your legs, which tends to be counterproductive (especially for short girls, like me). The drop-waist can have a tendency to look dumpy because it isn't fitted at your proper waist line. Don't be discouraged, though. There are very cute ones. Opt for ones with volume toward the bottom. This gives shape to the dress and to you, so it doesn't look like a bag. Or look for dresses with a more fitted top. And just be sure to try it on before you take it home.

Opt for:

1). Reiss panel dress

2). Dorothy Perkins dropwaist dress, $47

3). Miss Real lacy dress, $47

4). Alice + Olivia boat neckline dress

2). Lucite Heels

Lucite heels I'm very weary of because of the implications it has. For me, I can't get stripper out of my head when I see them. However, I have seen some beautiful shoes that are a product of this season's lucite trend. Mastering this trend is pretty easy. I'd shy away from a platform and a stiletto. I'd try a chunkier heel or a wedge instead. In the words of Ron Burgundy, you stay classy.