‘Tis the Season for Clothes

I’m about to commit the one thing that bugs me: skipping Thanksgiving and heading straight to Christmas.  I love Thanksgiving, I do, the food, family, football.  But, everyone knows we start our Christmas lists well in advanced before December even arrives.  Mine is already in the works: purple and yellow sunglasses, speakers, and Ellen Hopkins’ most recent release, Smoke.  So, for those who are writing the drafts of your Christmas list, here’s some online clothing stores to check out because one can never have too many clothes, and chic clothes at that!

1.  Drop Dead Clothing:  Two reasons this brand is on my list: (1) Oli Sykes, the singer of Bring Me the Horizon started the company, and I adore that man, and (2) I want something from the shop.  Drop Dead clothing has an attitude, bold prints, edgy images, and intimidating language.  Oli’s art is exactly what you’d expect from the frontman of a screamo band, powerful and dynamic.

http://www.freeappalliance.com

2.  So So Happy:  On a different note, this brand is fun, cute, and complete with bright, neon colors.  With different characters and lil monsters, one cannot help but smile upon wearing this garb.  And not only does So So Happy sell clothing, but keychains, plush animals, stickers, backpacks, and much more.  You can completely deck yourself out in a So So Happy lifestyle.

twitter.com

3.  Out of Print:  I desperately want something from Out of Print, anything Great Gatsby would be marvelous (hint, hint).  This unique shoppe sells T-shirts, sweatshirts, and bags with iconic book covers on them.  From Alice in Wonderland, to Dracula, to Goodnight Moon, to Native Son, to Song of Solomon, and many more.  For all you book lovers and librarians, definitely check out the site.

allison-wheeler.com

4.  To Write Love On Her Arms:  This non-profit movement exists to create hope and find help for those struggling with self-injury, depression, addiction, and suicide.  To Write Love On Her Arms specifically means a lot to me and sends inspirational messages out into the world.  Their store sells T-shirts and hoodies all emblazoned with encouraging and optimistic words.  Also, if you’re interested in the story behind the movement, pick up the book Purpose for the Pain.  It’s an emotional read written by the girl who inspired the movement and all about her struggles.

blogspot.com

5.  Spread Some Love:  Spread Some Love is a new project and they serve as a fundraising tool for people and groups that are helping others.  Their shirts spread messages of love, kindness, and making a difference.  Their vision is to show people that we can all make an impact on someone in a positive way.  So, add one of their T-shirts to your list and spread some love this holiday season.

shopify.com

6.  Indie Merch Store:  Because we all love our bands.  This vast online store offers merchandise for over 2000 different bands from 3OH!3, to Pierce the Veil, to Versa Emerge, to so many more.  Find T-shirts, posters, accessories, and plenty of other paraphernalia.  I could scour this site for hours because I can never have too many band tees.

slam-zine.com

Closet Must Haves

Do you ever have those days where you’re standing in front of your closet, and you have too many clothes and you cannot decide what to wear?  That’s like everyday of my life, but I’ve come to realize that there are certain clothes I reach for more than others because they are staple items.  And because every woman deserves to look good, here are some must have clothes.

 

1.  A kick ass pair of jeans.  The pair must flatter your figure, go with every shirt you own, and allow you to wear any kind of shoe with it; your jeans should be versatile.  Shop for your figure, though.  I prefer skinny jeans because they show off my legs which is one of my better assets.  And also make sure that the color compliments your skin tone, I go dark wash, but check out the jeans spectrum to find the color that suits you.

pacsun.com

pacsun.com

 

 

2.  A solid white V-neck or a white scoop neck shirt.  White goes with anything, so you can pair this with your kick ass jeans and other pants.  A white top can also easily go with a crazy colored skirt, and you can also wear your white tee with lounge clothes or to bed.  Again, this white top is versatile and indispensable.  Hell, I own three white V-necks and I have to wash them each week because I am always wearing them.

shopgarageonline.co 

 

nordstrom.com

 

3.  Of course a little black dress for when you are going out.  This is a classic and every woman must own one, so ’nuff said!

 

whitehouseblackmarket.com

whitehouseblackmarket.com

 

4.  A cardigan, in any color you want.  Cardigans can be worn with jeans or leggings and can be for day or night.  They’re perfect for winter for a little extra layering and also wearable during a spring or summer night or if it’s cool outside.  I’m attached to my hot pink one.

shop.cottonon.com

 

forever21.com

 

5.  A solid pair of black leggings because they allow for a quick outfit.  I sometimes just throw an oversized T-shirt on paired with my leggings, or I can pair it with my white V-neck and cardigan.  And sometimes if you’re sick of the restriction in jeans, it’s nice to be able to move in leggings.  I prefer capris leggings, but whatever works.

 

llbdshop.com

 

6.  A cute dress for when you are going to a BBQ, maybe someone’s soccer game, or just a night out with friends.  Preferably in a bright color or a wild pattern.  Sometimes you want to get a little dressed up, but not go all out in your ball gown.

 

hollisterco.com

 

hollisterco.com

 

7.  A pair of TOMS because I swear these are the next generation of ballet flats and they go with anything.  You can pair your TOMS with shorts, or a skirt or your jeans or your leggings.  I am in love with my black classic canvas pair, but if you’re a little more bold try a fun color or print.  And, not only do TOMS go with anything, they are so incredibly comfortable.  I wear them instead of flip flops because they allow your feet to breath, but I can also substitute them for sneakers because they offer full coverage (unless I’m going for a jog, then I need my sneakers…).

 

TOMS.com

TOMS.com

 

8.  A gorgeous heel, preferably in black, but whatever you think you will wear will do.  You can dress your jeans up, your cute summer dress, or wear them with that little black dress.  But, be warned there are numerous options so know what you like: strappy, or the classic look, a thick heel, or a thin heel, a 5 inch heel, or a 2 inch heel, straps, or no straps, shiny, or not.  Decision, decisions, decisions.

westblvd.com

rustyzipper.com

 

 

 

9.  The best pair of flip flops, trust me on this one.  Flip flops are for the beach, a quick drive to your friend’s house, relaxing at a sporting event. etc.  Plus flip flops can be paired with your dress, a skirt, jeans, or your bikini.  Make sure they are comfortable.  You don’t want one of those cheap pairs you can get for five bucks pretty much anywhere.  You want a pair that you actually love and will be excited to slip on your feet.  My suggestion is do not go with a plastic pair, they can cause blisters, and be uncomfortable if you do too much walking.  Be on the lookout, I found a great pair in a random store in Disney and another key pair at a hat store.

 

buzzillions.com

 

10.  Lastly, but no least, I’m going to give you an option (or just go for both!): a necklace you can wear all the time or a scarf to accessorize.  I’m not big into jewelry but I always wear a necklace and I have a select few necklaces that I wear all the time and if I can’t find a necklace to go with my outfit, I go with old faithful.  Also, if you’re not into necklaces, or you want to mix it up every now and again, a nice scarf will do your outfit wonders by adding another texture, maybe that pop of color you want, or the finishing touch.

amazonaws.com

celebuzz.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So now with all the key pieces, rock your outfit every day!

Girl World

It was recently brought to my attention, that I am not like most girls, or at least insanely girly girls.  A list was begun of reasons why I am unlike most females.  For starters, I do not wear a lot of makeup.  I do not know how to put on blush or coverup; I simply wear mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick or lipgloss, if I even feel like it.  I do not spend hours on my hair.  I never blow it dry, and some days I just roll out of bed without brushing it.  At college, I didn’t bring my entire wardrobe plus another with me.  I brought the basics and I wear them often.  I did not bring an array of dresses, skirts, shoes, tees, and blouses.  I do not even own a blouse (this may be untrue, I think I have one…), and I didn’t bring any fancy clothes to college, such as a cocktail dress.  I typically dress for comfort, and sometimes I leave my dorm not looking my best because I do not feel like it.  I’m not big into accessorizing; I own a limited amount of jewelry and I only packed a few necklaces at that.  It does not take me an hour or more to get ready in the morning, some days all I need is a solid fifteen minutes to start the day.  All in all, it was summed up that I act more like a boy in the appearance department.

At first when I was told this, I didn’t think much of it.  My friends who discussed it, offered advice, told me to go shopping with some girly chicks, stop wearing my favorite pair of lime green sunglasses, have my mother ship me more of my clothes, etc.  I took the comments lightly because I knew I was not going to change, but after thinking about the statements more and more, the thought popped into my head why are girls so obsessed with their appearance?  Sure, maybe most of them simply like looking nice, but who are they getting dressed up for?  Themselves, or the various people they will see in passing by, or a crush, or a boyfriend?  And, do these girly girls who spend hours prepping and putting on makeup and trying on clothes and doing their hair, how do they feel during the day?  Girls have a tendency to compare themselves to other women.  I admit, I am guilty of this.  There are days I wish I had another’s girl’s eye makeup, or her skirt, or her wavy hair.  It happens, but to be honest, I do not have days like those often.  I don’t want to sound braggadocios, but all in all I’m pretty happy with who I am, how I look, and I have confidence in myself.

I wasn’t thinking when I was being told to act more like a girly girl, but now that I’ve toyed with the topic, I’d like to say no thanks.  Not all girls dress like they are ready for the runway, and that is perfectly okay if one does.  But, I, on the other hand, am content with how I dress, how I act, and how I look; it is what makes me special and attractive.  I like to think I’m a breath of fresh air from perfumes, mascara, hair spray, and Hollister scented clothing.  I am comfortable in my skin, and in girl world that is pretty hard to come by.  The way I dress and present myself speaks to my character: I appreciate the simple, little things in life, I am laid back, I am not looking for people to impress me, and I do not put up a front.

And for good measure, I’d just like to say, as a girl I prefer men’s oversized hoodies because I think they’re comfortable; I enjoy wearing my soccer shorts and a V-neck even if I am breaking the rules of fashion, and I only learned how to curl my hair last year.

 

chinesenewyear.me