Sunday, September 25, 2011

No Pants


Alright Blogginistas…

My original idea for my blog post this week was the Emmy’s…I actually took notes during the award show about all the cool trends that stood out: like men in suits with plaid shirts & women with mismatch nails…but then I changed my mind (the same way I change my outfit several times before I walk out the door in the morning).

Well I have to say Jane Lynch was great, the fashion had its ups & downs as always, & it was another award show.  So this week my inspiration came from a weekend class assignment. On Saturday I was required to attend a poetry festival in the northern part of NJ at Blair Academy. Not knowing where I was headed, I dressed casually in jeans, a plaid shirt, & a sweater. My mother joined me for the day & dressed as I, but a tad more “dressed-up.” I have to say, if the other attendees were judging our outfits, I think we dressed rather appropriate. If the high school students that boarded at Blair Academy were the judges, the score wouldn’t be so nice. When I got back to my part of the state I did my research on this apparent prestigious high school. What wowed me- tuition. For students that choose to board it costs nearly $48,000 for just one school year; those who commute it drops down to about $34,000. Wow! I can’t even image what the expectation for college is. Evidently these students come from $$$, but that doesn’t mean their style isn’t achievable.   

Anyways…like my dearest mother & I, those who were simply attending the festival were dressed casual, typical, nothing out of the norm. Those who live there, high school students, were dressed preppy & perfectly. Let’s just say I’m still in awe by what they were wearing. Two students that stood out to me were most likely in the latter half of their high school years- they had to be about 16 or 17 years young. As I said before, I was wearing jeans. These two students wore pants, yet they were still dressed casual like on any other Saturday afternoon. The girl was wearing pink pants cuffed with combat boots- very menswear. The guy wore cargo pants, but he didn’t look sloppy. I also happened to see a private tour for a future student & his parents dressed similar- she in yellow pants & he in khakis. After my fashion-watching eyes spotted these beautifully dressed people, my jaw pretty much dropped & my mother was annoyed with the fact that I didn’t stop talking about their pants. I shut up about their clothes for the rest of the afternoon & thought about it instead…& the same question kept popping into my head. Why don’t I have pants? Of course I have a countless number of jeans (& may I say that I am loyal to American Eagle denim), I have Hard Tail yoga pants & a few sweats …but I don’t own those J.Crew-like preppy pants.

From my never-ending reading up on what’s trending this season I’ve discovered that colored pants are TOTALLY in this season for both men & women. Also, breaking a “major” rule, white jeans are going to be found a lot heading into fall & winter this year. With my week off from work in front of me I’m definitely going to head out to the stores & find me some pants. Don’t know how bold I’ll be in color, but I’m open to the trend…because let me tell you…it looks first-class.

Thinking about that, tell me Blogginistas…would you trade in your everyday jeans for pants?

Love always,

BR

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Hey Blogginistas!

Those who know me well know that fashion is my life. I made the mistake of not getting involved with it early on (like before I chose my college major)… so now it’s become more of a hobby until I graduate & I can explore my options. Everything about fashion has captivated me & basically consumed my life where on my days off you can find me at the mall. My blog title Closet Full of Clothes but Nothing to Wear defines my lifestyle, & the lifestyle of many other fashion forward people. How many times do you open your closet & there’s 20 pairs of jeans, a bunch of tees, sweatshirts, & such…yet you can’t possibly get an outfit out of it? Let’s just say I’ve been late to class because of that major dilemma. I’m hoping my blog can inspire you all to open your closet & actually find something to wear that’s fashionable & defines you.


About a week ago I had the privilege to see-two feet away from me, may I add- some of Victoria’s Secret corporate employees. Ahh! Yes! It was amazing to see the geniuses behind the brand in person. So, along with every other notable brand, VS was in for New York’s Fashion Week. Just at a glance anyone could tell they weren’t ordinary people. Men & women dressed in all black…& dressed to the nines! Having fashion constantly on my mind, after seeing them I wondered how do they make black look so good?!

Now we all know men, women…black is slimming, it’s the most flattering of all shades to pick from….but personally out of countless the times I’ve worn all black, I’ve never made it look that good! Of course with that image in my mind I had to seek out a way to make black look original. Here are my thoughts:

v  It’s ALL about the fabric & textures & styles. You’ve got sequins, lace, silk…don’t just stick with simple cotton. And this goes for men too! Guys- women don’t just want to see you in tee shirts everyday…try those button downs,  roll up the sleeves and you’re good to go!

v  Accessorize. You’ve heard it time & time again, but when it comes to all black, it’s key. For the gals, it’s quite simple. Add a colorful necklace, cocktail ring, or funky watch. And for the men, when you dress up the cuff links are important. Add color through them or throw on a classic watch.

So now let me ask you Blogginistas…How do you make black look good?

Love always,

BR