Reality Chic

Posts Tagged ‘celebrities

Wearing the same go-to outfit for every event can get tiring! A belt can literally change your entire look. It will draw everyone’s eyes from the same black turtleneck you’ve worn for 2 years to your new brightly colored or detailed belt.

Best part about it…they are CHEAP! Rather than spending your money on a shirt you might wear once, buy a belt you can wear multiple ways, multiple times.

Not only can a belt change a look. It can accentuate your shape.

Forever 21 at ShopStyle

Need curves? Cinch the belt at the smallest part of your waist which will give you the effect of an hour-glass shape. Want to draw attention to the bust? Cinch the belt right below your chest. Want to make your legs look longer? A pair of heels and a belt will do the trick.
So next time…Buckle it, Belt it, and Wear it!

For most of us who can only sing about Christian Louboutin, Gucci, etc., there is creativity involved in looking chic without breaking the bank.  And for those of us who have seen Heidi Montag dress, well… you should know looking cheap doesn’t mean being chic.

5 ways to simply stay chic

1. Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn, and stay classy by wearing black and white.  It’s hard to mess up this look .  Dressing in black and white might just leave people wondering how much you spent.

2. Shoes are a budget savior! You can find them everywhere and anywhere for great prices.  Leave your sneakers at home and wear a heel or boot to dinner.

3. Looking so good has never been so easy! Nowadays, thanks to the gloriousness of H&M and Forever 21, you don’t have to pay a fortune to get cute clothes!  These stores will not only guide you in the right direction, but give you a boost toward fashion-forward styles.

4. Layering and pairing, layering and pairing, layering and pairing….need I say it again?!  This is the best advice anyone can give you when it comes to looking effortlessly chic.  Who has money to spend on 3 or 4 expensive items?  Take that one nice jacket that you got for your b-day and pair it with the tank in your closet from Wal-Mart along with a scarf from Target and you’re good to go.

5. Break out of the rut!  It’s easy to get caught up in corporate america or college life, but it’s time to break free people!  You’ll never once see a women’s business suit on a cover reading “TREND ALERT”…unless your watching  CNBC or a presidential debate.  So don’t dress like you’re working or sitting in class 24/7!

Stay Chic, Stay Classy, but most of all Stay Creative!

Man cleavage?  How do we really feel about this upcoming trend for the men. I mean I’m pretty sure we can all agree “man boobs” are not so cool nor will they ever….ever…ever.. be!  This trend of men unbuttoning their top two buttons without a shirt underneath or deep cut v-necks revealing the oh so or not so muscular chest of certain men might be a trend that needs to be stopped?

While I wouldn’t mind seeing Mathew McConaughey’s man cleavage (after all we’ve seen him with his shirt off about a million times).  I’m not so sure how I feel about seeing anyone elses.  Is this a trend we really want to pass on to the men in our lives:  uncles, dads, grandpas, and those with so-called “man boobs”?  I think not! Well…actually I know NOT! 

 It’s not often that I have to say this, but it would be highly depressing and degrading to see a man have more cleavage than myself. Right ladies?  So as much as deep cut v-necks and unbuttoning button ups are in right now.  Let’s put a stop to this so-called trend for men.  And for those of you men out there who won’t stop…my advice to you is subtlety. Do we really need more people showing off their cleavage in the world…even if it is coming from a man?!! You make the call, but i’m going to say NO!

Often times it seems like there is a disconnect between the “real world” and parts of the “fashion world”.  I believe this is partly due to the fact that if you are a celebrity, live in NYC, or LA you can basically get by with wearing whatever you want.  As cool as this sounds (wearing whatever you want) it can sometimes create an illusion well…that you can wear whatever you want.  However, for the other millions of people who don’t live in the city, aren’t immune to public criticism, or aren’t a celebrity, wearing an outlandish outfit or dress that barely covers your butt, is going to get you some dirty looks and don’t be naive to think you won’t be a topic of conversation.

So how are we “real” people suppose to differentiate from what the top “stars” or fashion magazines advise us to wear this season. Listen to our “real” instincts! 

1. First, if the style is not flattering don’t wear it! For example… who in their right mind would wear harem pants besides M.C. Hammer (and is he really in his right mind)?!  There is nothing flattering about having a baggy crotch hanging low while the pant tightens around your ankles.

2. Second, if it’s never been in style it’s not going to magically come back in.  I was flipping through a popular magazine where the models were each wearing a different patterned skirt with a different patterned top that didn’t match.  Not only are patterns difficult to match, but wearing mismatched patterns together have never and will never be in style. When wearing this look, it’s as if they dressed in the dark. Matching colors and patterns together to compliment or accent each other won’t ever go out of style, so why try to change it?!

3. Third, the futuristic look won’t be in style  in 2010 and won’t be in style in 2030.  Just because it’s the future doesn’t mean we will all suddenly forget about comfort and start dressing like robots! Seriously.

There is something to be said about being fashionable without having to look like a fool. Some celebs and designers have this down while others seem to live in another world.  So for those of us “real” people who want to be stylish and trust in fashion magazines to guide us in the right way, don’t take that risk. Use your common sense! Don’t have any? Find a friend to help. Just remember, there is a difference in taking a risk and wearing something completely awful. Example: risk = leopard print shoes with a colored dress, hideousness= see through lace top or lace leggings.

If it hasn’t been said already, it should!  The title isn’t talking about what new trend is in and how you can incorporate it into your wardrobe. I’m talking about trends that shouldn’t be trendy! While trends can keep you looking stylish for a short period of time, it can also bite you in the butt!!  Two things that drive me crazy are when you buy an outfit and two weeks later it comes out in the magazines that it’s suddenly out of style. Also, how about when the fashion industry tries to make a style that is absolutely hideous, popular!  We rely on the industry to supposedly help us look like stars, not fools! Is it really worth it to be a trend setter?!

The fall fashion “trends” were all over magazines this year. What to wear? How to wear it? Where to wear it to? All of these questions were answered for us in a timely manner. The question that seemed to be missing was “Who would wear this?” and “Why?”  We’ve all been there following these trends. I mean isn’t that how the 80s were created?! Remember denim overall’s with the one button unsnapped. OH YEA, we looked good!  Half of the time trends are forced. They become ridiculous outfits that are supposed to be “in style” and wearable; however, no “real” person in their right mind would ever be caught wearing some of these so-called trends.

Some of this years hottest fall/winter looks have been declared: velvet, one-arm look, and lace. However, the best one I’ve seen yet happens to be wearing a sweatshirt with heels…really…seriously..come on!  Although velvet might be nice to touch, if it looks tacky on your couch it’s probably going to look tacky on you! Plus, since when is it stylish to start looking like Hugh Hefner? Count on this to be one look you might regret.  As for the one-arm look, when exactly do you wear this, spring or winter? If one arm is fully covered, isn’t the other one cold?  This is one piece that may be making the wrong statment!  Lace, although it’s a way to look classic on your wedding day, it’s not so hot for every day wear despite as awesome as it is to look like you’re wearing a doily or table cloth! I highly suggest keeping the lace jumpers and leggings in the stores. This has mistake written all over it. Last but not least, a sweatshirt with heels?!  It completely defeats the purpose of a sweatshirt! If I wanted to look stylish, I’d find a cute shirt to go with hot heels and if I want to bum it, I’m going to wear a sweatshirt with tennis shoes. Combining both worlds is not only unrealistic, but it’s just not right!

Not to be Debbie Downer, there are some great trends out there such as statement necklaces, skinny jeans, flat boots, and flannel button-ups.  My advice to bid you all farewell is…CHOOSE WISELY!  I’d hate for another decade to go by until we all realize…maybe that wasn’t the right look?!

It has recently been brought to my attention that while many people wear whatever they want, others are stuck in a bit of a rut.  Part of this could be due to the fact that many have been put in a fashion box and need to break out of it!  I’ve noticed in recent fashion articles where body figures have been dubbed “names” so that you can be aware of what type of shape you are.  However, if it wasn’t already depressing enough not to have the “perfect body” being compared to a fruit has added an all new low.  Pear, apple, and even boyish are all names that have been recently used to describe how your figure looks.  I can’t speak for others but being compared to a pear or even a boy isn’t exactly how I would personally like to be described.  As long as you understand what looks best on you there is no need to call yourself an “apple” shape.  I’m here to give 4 simple tips on how to step out of the box and into your clothes without looking like a fruit.

Step 1:  First and foremost it is important to know what is in your closet (and this doesn’t mean your past).  If you have 10 items that are black, it might be time to change-up the color.  If all your jeans are one particular cut then you should start looking for another.  These are all things that everyone can change-up from time to time. Having just one idea for an outfit is like only showing one side of yourself.  We all know,women especially, have many different aspects such as being a  career woman, mom,college student, or athlete.  There is not one particular thing that can define us,  so why let one outfit define who you are! 

Step 2:  Don’t be afraid to look HOT!  As cheesy as this sounds, there are so many women that need to pump up the volume while there are many others that need to tone it down.  You don’t have to be a hooch (you all know what I mean) to pull off this look.  There are many ways to look modest yet still have a little spice.  A great way of doing this is adding an animal print to a shoe or cardigan; however, this doesn’t mean dressing head to toe in animal print.  Although the term “Cougar” and “Puma” are currently in, it doesn’t mean you should mimic one.  Another subtle way to add a little flavor would be a sequined vest paired with a solid color top or a sequined top paired with a solid color jacket.  All of these things can be done with a small touch.  Just remember you want to look hot, not a hot mess!

Step 3:  Invest in some good sweatpants!  If you don’t enjoy wearing sweatpants, I’m probably not the blogger for you.  They are only the most comfortable pant ever made, great when eating too much, and ideal for working out in, but this is no excuse to have lousy ones.  If you are going to be seen (meaning out of the house unless you’re in college) I suggest investing in well-made sweatpants.  Not only will they last longer, but you can also wear them to run errands in without being stared at.  And who said style couldn’t be comfortable?!

Step 4:  Don’t fool yourself!  Like I said earlier many are afraid to step out of the comfort box.  Just because you don’t think you can wear something shouldn’t prohibit you from at least trying it on.  Jeans are a good example of this.  The most unflattering jeans often are with bulging pockets, super low or high cuts, and baggy fittings.  The basic styles like boot cut, straight, curvy, skinny, or boyfriend are open to most sizes.  So rather than being concerned with the style, look first at the detail and shape.  It’s a matter of finding the look you are going for and then trying the on the jean.  Knowing you don’t have curves should eliminate all curvy styles due to the fact you won’t fill them out.  If you are curvy but still want the skinny jean, look for the curvy fit.  There are many options and this is part of the reason why jeans are so complicated.  Keep an open-mind and you’ll be destined to find the right fit for you!

These 4 steps will open the box and hopefully allow you to step out.  Finding your own style and fit is a matter of playing around with what you already know you like and adding some new elements.  If you are willing to change one thing, why not go even farther?  So rather than just stepping out of the box, why not jump?!

Breaking news…Britney Spears lipsyncs, the Kardashians are dramatic, and John Mayer can’t keep his mouth shut. Did this really need to be reported?! Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you must know that in order to become famous all you have to do is something ridiculous!

Have you ever been sitting on your couch flipping through the channels and found that there is NOTHING TO WATCH?! Well it happens to me on a regular basis, and I have recently discovered that basically anyone can be put on a reality show. Apparently, the top requirements for these “stars” are that they must be two-faced, dramatic, boy-crazy, and hold down no real apparent job. While all of these qualities create a stellar human being (sarcasm), I’d rather just stick to watching my morning news shows. Although these reality stars are becoming much of Hollywood, it is often forgotten that 15 minutes ago they were just another rude person waiting to be casted. So why is it a surprise when one poses for Playboy, drives drunk, or makes a public scene?! Like they say, “Fame just brings out more of who you were before.” So once and for all, let’s stop making  reality stars who shouldn’t be popular, famous!

Have you ever met anyone who’s just woken up for day and states “Today is the day I’m going to look like crap”?  Yeah…probably not! Most everyone wants to look their best whether that be in a jean and t-shirt or putting on heels and a dress. Clothes can change the way you feel for the day, and on days where you’re struggling, the last thing you want to worry about is looking in the mirror and feeling bad about yourself. So ladies and maybe a few men… I have come up with 4 ways to help you look your best without changing a thing!

Tips:

  1. Wear your size! No one ever has to know your size besides you and possibly the cashier (which you’ll never see again anyhow, so who cares)!  The worst thing you can do for yourself is to try to fit into clothes that are a SMALLER SIZE. Even if you can squeeze into a size 8 that doesn’t mean you should! We’ve all done it, and this is the problem. Size means nothing. It’s how it actually fits you. That’s what should be important. Bulges aren’t cool no matter whether you’re an actual size 5 fitting into a 3 or a 14 fitting into a 10. When your skin is forced out the side of your back there is no way to justify the “coolness” of this look. You would think this would be a big enough sign to realize your pant is too small! Fitting in the right size leaves you looking thinner and also helps you look better!
  2. Accent your best feature! If you have at a tummy, but have awesome legs…show them off! If you have big calves wear bigger heels to give them more of an angle.  Have great boobs? Wear a v-neck! There are many ways to accent your best feature.  You just need to take time and decide what it is you like best about your body.
  3. Stripes are a love/hate relationship. When wearing horizontal stripes, be aware of the shape you’re giving yourself. They can widen your figure and make you like a zebra neither which is ideal. It’s best to stick to simple or subtle when dressing in stripes. Advice to remember; don’t pull a Jessica Simpson!
  4. Unless rapping is your forte, I suggest skipping out on the baggy clothes! When trying to hide your stomach, baggy clothes are not the solution. I’m here to bust this myth! Wearing baggy clothes are often outfits that were originally suppose to be fitted and instead are bought two sizes too big. This first gives you NO SHAPE and second leaves you more often than not looking BIGGER. An alternative to this look is buying a non-fitted shirt that still gives shape in your size. A great example of this would be peasant tops or loose fitted tanks.

These are all ways that can help someone who might not be completely satisfied with their figure or just ate too many pancakes for breakfast. Either way, if you can’t make it to the gym to drop a few pounds, just remember these 4 tips, and DON’T SWEAT IT, literally!

A majority of people buy houses and cars, two major items that have both most likely been USED. If when buying these items you don’t think twice about them having been used before, what’s the problem in buying used clothes?! Just like buying a house or a car as long as they are in good condition, what’s the difference? Buying your clothes at a consignment shop is a great way to get your bang for your buck and save on things a little more important in life such as New Moon tickets!

My challenge of the day was to go into a local consignment shop and find an entire outfit for $35 dollars or under.  Who honestly wouldn’t want that?! After stepping into the store, I suddenly found myself excited at the idea of this challenge and the fact that I had an excuse to shop without having my husband being disappointed that I spent another $35 dollars on clothes. This should also be known as my best idea yet, and I’d advise you to use it as well! I was determined to find not only a shirt and pant, but the whole shebang (and yes i just said shebang). Top, pant, jewelry, purse, and shoes for all under $35 dollars would be a hard thing to do. In all honestly, I actually thought I would end up writing about something else due to the fact that I wasn’t sure it could be done. To my surprise I not only found out that it could be accomplished, but that the clothes were actually cute, stylish, and in great condition. You must be thinking that the clothes are from low-end stores and are pretty basic. Wrong!

First item up: I chose a silver silk non-fitted sleeveless shirt with a built in rhinestone neck that ties in the back by F.A.N.G for a total of $9.00! It can be worn with basically any type of pant; however, it would be best as a date top or going to work shirt!

Second item: A black boot leg stretch pant that would be perfect for going to work or to a more upscale event. The pant was from The Limited for a whopping $9.00. Can’t beat it!

Third item: This item is by far my favorite of the day! A pair of Miss Me purple heeled ankle boots for $11.00!! Colored shoes can help uplift any outfit and at this price it just uplifted my day!

Fourth item: I found a purple gel beaded bangel to accent the shoes for $2.00! I don’t know what store it is originally from but any accessory for just $2.00 is worth buying.

Fifth and final item: My final purchase was a purple clutch which ties the whole outfit together. Clutches are a necessity! Who wants to carry around a purse all day? As much as I would like fanny packs to come back in style for convenience purposes they too should probably stay locked in the vault. Clutches are a great way to just throw in the items that you need and walk on out the door with out lugging around a giant bag that could fit in a small child.

There ya have it 5 items (an entire outfit) for exactly $35 dollars. Who would of thought?! I wish I could write about how it was a hard grueling task, but it wasn’t. It was easy! In fact, it was so easy that I spent another $35 dollars on a headband, blue dress, scarf, and winter coat! Shh… keep it on the down low I would like to be able to shop again in my lifetime! Anyhow, what I’m trying to tell you is that next time you’re  under a budget and need to find some clothes, go to your local consignment shop. YOU JUST MIGHT BE SURPRISED!!

Risking it all for love…or a seat?! In about 15 days, 10 hours, 30 min, and 25 sec (not that anyone is counting) the doors will open and thousands of teen boppers will rush in the theaters around the U.S. to get a look at the blood sucking and passionate vampires also referred to as Bella and Edward. Who am I kidding? Thousands of adults (don’t act like you’re not excited) also will be patiently waiting in line either pretending to take their kids or (like myself) just owning up to the fact that they love Twilight as much as their 13-year-old cousin.

As a necessary precaution for the men in our lives we will expect abnormal amounts of bravery, songs played for us on the piano/a mixed cd will do, and to be driven around safely at an accelerated speed in a silver Volvo for at least 48 hours after seeing the movie. To avoid being ridiculed for these completely “normal” expectations I suggest suprising your significant other to a fancy dinner followed by the featured film New Moon.

For those of us budgeting on how to see the movie more than once and afford extra buttered popcorn multiple times along with sour patch kids which will leave our tongue feeling raw… we must start saving today! Putting away $2.oo a day will give you $30 dollars to at least count on for the big day that is Nov. 20th! If you’re “one of those” people who won’t be seeing New Moon I suggest donating $1.00 to a friend in need. Last but not least, as for those of you who are  on TEAM JACOB, may your seat be taken along with your pride! For TEAM EDWARD, I shall see you at the theater in 15 days!


Reality Chic: Because real people don't wear sparkle pants to Olive Garden!

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