SPRING 2014 TREND ALERT: BUTTONED UP "OG" STYLE

Growing up on the West Coast, I remember back in the day the way Mexican & Black gangstas used to dress. The black gang members paid homage to their hood based on colors and while the Mexicans didn't really rep a color, they created their own sense of style and dress. I remember seeing the inverse style of shirt buttoning when I watched Next Friday, the movie. The Mexicans in the movie wore the typical, West Coast buttoned down shirt. They buttoned the first three buttons and left the rest undone. Who would have known that fashion designers will eventually emulate this West Coast iconic style?

According to Fashionising, designers such as Alexander Wang, Rodarte and Sergei Grinko all have taken part of this iconic style. It seems as though designers are bringing it back for the Spring 2014 season and I'm dying to see how it plays out in mainstream. Walk down the streets of Los Angeles, and I mean the REAL Los Angeles, and you will see many Mexicans that still dress this way. Are you feeling the upcoming trend?

Original West Coast Style....

FALL 2014 TREND ALERT: COLOR SWATCHES PART 1

Although we are still in the current fall season, it is never too early to start prepping for next fall. Next season will showcase many different colors that complement women of all skin tones. Instead of waiting until next season, the smartest thing to do is figure out what works best for you and shop for it now. All of the fall and winter clothing in stores now will be marked down after Christmas and during the beginning weeks of January. So why not shop the sales and tuck it away until next year? To help you get started in determining what colors to look for, here are some colors that will be hot in Fall 2014....

ORCHID

CRIMSON

TOFFEE

CRANBERRY

HONEY MUSTARD

COOL MINT

COCOA

BLOOD ORANGE

PEACHY NUDE

TEAL

WHICH COLORS ARE YOU FEELING?

"HOW TO " STYLE GUIDE: WEARING LEGGINGS

Leggings have become a major staple in every women's closet. There are many women, including myself, who wear leggings on a daily basis. It has become the norm for college students and full time working women. They are convenient and very easy to style. However, I had to learn the hard way that leggings have to be worn a certain way in order for the entire look to be fashionable. There are some tips when wearing leggings and is it important that all women understand them.

 

#1: Cover your Vagina

I don’t mean to be so blunt but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen camel toe’s and imprints of women’s vaginas. Leggings are tight and meant to hug every inch of the body so it is important to cover up the spots that are private.

#2: Pay attention to fabric and fit 

This has been one of the BIGGEST mistakes I make, constantly! Ladies, please be aware of the fabric. People don’t need to see your butt or your underwear color. Leggings are sheer and the majority of them are see-through. Make sure the fit isn’t tight to where your leggings are sliding off your butt or we can see every lump and cellulite in your legs and butt. 

 

#3: Wear appealing tops 

Choose tops that flatter your leggings, not ruin them. Leggings are meant to make your body appear slimmer and you want the tops to be proportionate. If you are showing a bit of cellulite on your butt, then you shouldn't wear a crop top or anything that falls above your behind. The goal is to look chic and sexy, not messy!

#4: Style It Up

Don't go for the basic colors. Try to wear some bright colored patterns and prints. There are so many styles to choose from so you will never get bored. But don't overdue it! If you wear patterned or printed leggings, keep your top a solid color. 

 "HOW-TO" STYLE GUIDE: DRESSING A PLUS SIZE BODY 

 

With the fashion industry mainly catering to thin, skinny body types, it can be quite intimidating to plus size women. Don't they deserve to wear sexy and fashionable clothing that is flattering to their body type? While we all know that the majority of what we see on the runways each year isn’t available in any size above 8, it doesn’t mean that plus size women can’t style it up and look just as good, if not better, as the women we see in the fashion magazines. Here are some tips on how to dress and style up a plus size body frame.

#1: BLACK OUT

The myth is true, Black does make you look slimmer! But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear any other colors. Black is sexy, but it can also be very boring and predictable. Add some color and spice to your wardrobe. If you feel it’s imperative to wear black with every outfit then try switching one piece of your wardrobe with a colored piece. Try a black bottom with a brighter top or vice versa. The goal is to accentuate your body and emphasize your “good” features. 

#2: STAND TALL

The taller the heel, the closer to heaven! Ladies, ladies, ladies, don’t let your weight limit you from wearing heels. Heels make your legs appear longer and leaner. Stand tall and show everyone that you own it. Its understandable that heels may be a little more uncomfortable for the average plus size women but there are ways to ease the pain. Try investing in a good pair of wedges. Wedges are comfortable and practical. They can be worn with almost any outfit. High heels that are 4 inches and below can also be a great choice. Because the heel itself is shorter and closer to the floor, you aren’t putting too much weight on the heels of your feet. If you must wear 5-6 inch heels, try adding some Dr. Scholl gel inserts. The feeling itself will be magnificent and more than likely you won’t feel much pain in your feet. 

#3: PENCIL ME IN

Pencil skirts are a must have for all women, no matter the size. Pencil skirts are flattering to the body and they make your whole outfit cohesive. It also makes your body look slimmer and taller. 

 

#4: WAIST IT UP

Anything high waisted will tuck and hide everything that hangs or bulges in the wrong place. High waisted, long skirts work best because not only do they tuck everything in, but they don’t accentuate the size of your legs. Your body frame will appear slimmer and all one size. 

#5: GET IN “SHAPE”

I’m not actually telling you to lose weight! I’m telling you to invest in QUALITY shapewear. Shapewear is important because it keeps everything in its place. They can be worn under any outfit or piece. Whatever part of your body that you want to tuck and hide, whether it’s your stomach or your legs, you want the foundation to be perfect. Shapewear is slimming, flattering and certain ones can actually help you lose inches. 

 

**REMEMBER: NEVER LET THE WEIGHT SHAME RUIN YOUR GAME. ALWAYS STAY FLY NO MATTER WHAT SIZE YOU ARE. BEAUTY COMES IN ALL SIZES**