What I Really Learned From Cinderella: Life, Love, and Fabulous Footwear

Although this seems to be a little out of place for my blog, I believe that there is so much more to style than just the fashion. Grace, gentleness, and confidence are the best accessories a woman can have, and Cinderella has it all. As arguably the most beloved of all Disney princesses, Cinderella is so much more than a bedtime story. 

1. Never Stop Dreaming

One of Disney's most iconic songs, 'A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes' is truly a ballad of a hurting heart holding on to hope. The simplicity of it keeps the feeling light, while the lyrics show that even in the darkest of times, no one can keep you from dreaming except yourself. No matter if you wake up in a New York penthouse or your stepmother's attic, never stop believing in yourself.

2. Always Be Kind

Although most Disney princesses are known for their sweet spirits, it saddens me that a 'princess mentality' is a gentle way of saying spoiled, self-centered, and conceited. The wonderful thing about 'Cinderelly' is she took care of the less fortunate things around her, even with the little she had to give.

3. You Can Do Chores and Still Look Simply Divine

I will admit I was a little obsessive when I was a child, but i remember after this scene thinking that I should try to wash the floor on my hands and knees just like her. 

4. Never Let Your Past Keep You From Your Future

For just a second, imagine you are Cinderella sitting in your pumpkin, minutes before arriving at the palace. You'd totally be freaking out, right? The amazing thing about this scene is that even though she had just been locked in her attic bedroom, and the fact that her horses are actually mice, Cinderella entered the room like it was there just for her. Of course she could have hid in the back, or told the Prince she didn't know how to dance, but she doesn't. I think this is one of the most brave parts of any Disney movie, she believes that she can, so she does. So many times I think we as women sell ourselves short, when really we belong at the ball.

5. All The Advantages In The World Won't Hide Your Ugly Heart. Or Big Feet.

Now this one is kind of a given, but it's very true. Anastasia and Drizella always considered themselves more deserving than Cinderella, and for no reason other than she had nothing. Sadly, there are a lot more ugly stepsisters in this world than I'd like to admit.

6. If He Likes You, He'll Call. 

(or carry your shoe on a pillow until he finds your house)

We all know Cinderella fell in love in the few hours she was with the prince, but she left when she was supposed to (I mean come on, the pumpkin was waiting) and she went home. Let's be honest, this story wouldn't be the same if our little Cindy went back around 2am to be the booty call. Giving yourself  a curfew isn't always a bad thing. If he really likes you, he will like you the tomorrow, and it's okay to leave now. I don't think I can stress this point enough, but the fact is the ones who need to listen to this point never do, so I'll just say leave it at that.

7. The Right Shoes Can Change Everything

Clearly if she was wearing Target brand black pumps, the search could have ended a little differently, with 60% of the maidens owning the same shoe in their closet. So on days when you feel like a princess, go for your glass slippers. Life's short, buy the shoes.

In the end, just keep calm and don't settle for someone who doesn't treat you like a princess, even if you grew up a servant.

But it is okay to keep both of your shoes on this time.

How To Turn Your Summer Concert Must Have Into A Fall Basic

One of my favorite challenges in fashion is to make the transition with special pieces from one season to another. There's the classic bulky sweater into spring, the mini dress into winter, but my new personal project has been the band shirt into everyday casual wear. Although this doesn't seem to be much of a challenge, it was hard at first to pair my shirts with anything other than the typical cutoff Levi’s and plaid button ups. I do love a good fan girl outfit of course, but there’s a time and place for everything. My mission was to broaden the spectrum of where we considered the band tee welcome and maybe give it a little more of that grown up feel I think it can handle.

Everyone knows you can never go wrong with a good fitting pair of black skinnies, but by setting them up with a classic pair of black pumps, blazer, and a statement clutch, you can take your band shirt from summer festival to evening cocktails in a matter of minutes.

Another great way to dress up a basic tee is to play with the more feminine side of things. Tights, floral prints, and chunky knits take the away from the harshness of the screen print and gives you a soft, flirty look for fall.

The last look I have been playing around with is the most conservative of the three, and is a little groupie-librarian-esque.  I paired a knit pencil skirt with a well worn tee over a collared shirt and cuffed the sleeves to meet with the edges of the t-shirt. Add some cute flats, a simple necklace and your favorite musician is (almost) work approved.

Of course, any way you choose to wear your favorite shirt is a good way, but now you have a few more options as to them making regular appearances in your everyday wardrobe and not just your summer shows. 

Rock on.

The Most Fashionable Family...Ever.

    As many of you know, one of my favorite fashion icons is Victoria Beckham. Everything she does is so feminine and put together, nothing is ever out of place and her details are impeccable. From her designs to her personal wardrobe she is meticulous. But it isn't just Victoria who is blessed with great taste and attention to detail. Both Victoria and her husband David are well known for their fashion sense, and their children are not far behind 'mum and dad' in great style choices. The following pictures are just a few reasons why I consider the Beckhams the most fashionable family ever, and maybe the most attractive at that.

First, I would recommend to everyone my personal fashion go-to book written by Victoria herself for great tips on everything from the right jeans to the perfect gifts to buy for husbands/boyfriends. Makeup to maternity wear, she covers it all. If you had any doubt in her knowledge of fashion before, this will answer every question you could possibly imagine.

Another great read worth picking up (if you can find it) is the first ever fashion issue of Glamour which came out August 7th of this year. It is guest edited by Victoria and has a hint of what you will find in her book.

 

 She was very busy over the summer between baby, fashion editing and designing a killer fall collection, and looking amazing while doing it all.

As for David, he's been carrying the Olympic Torch and looking sexy. You know, the usual.

 

 and a few Burger King Commercials..

(oh and playing soccer or something..)

I think we could live with this look too..

doesn't this just make your heart melt?

 

And although we know she doesn't quite dress herself yet, little Harper Beckham has been wearing some fantastic ensembles as well.

 

 Harper's brothers (Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz) know how to dress too..

(I'm going to assume thanks to their parents on that last picture at least) 

and together, they are flawless.

"I do not flirt with other women - I exist only for Victoria." David Beckham

Now really, what is more attractive than that?

 

Every Girl Dreams Of Being A Princess (So Why Not Dress Like One?)

This week I want to focus on a few different ladies who never let the fashion world down. Kate Middleton has a classic, simple style that more people should really take notice of. Sometimes we get a little too caught up in crazy patterns and trends and accessories, forgetting about the basics such as a good fit and good shape which can make for timeless pieces. I don't need to say much about this famous beauty that her pictures don't say for themselves, other than she was born to be a Princess.

 Kate's jewelry with this dress is a perfect choice. You never see her wear anything that overwhelms her. At first glance you see a beautiful woman, and then notice the clothing, as it should be! Never get lost in the mess of your own clothes, use them to emphasize yourself instead!

love the opaque black tights and black heels paired together. 

If only I could wear this to work everyday! Somehow we really need to bring this whole hat look across the pond, I'm dying to wear some.

but she also looks fabulous in casual wear as well!

(and even wears the same belt twice)

I think one of the best things that we can learn from Princess Kate's closet is that classy is always beautiful, and even though we may not all have a royal wardrobe, simplicity makes a statement all on its own. Stay elegant!

It's A Peplum World

As much as I love Fashion Week, a lot of the trends we see on the runway are not exactly things the average woman can walk through the grocery store in...

                                                            (I don't plan on attending a mad tea party any time soon..)

Luckily, there are a few styles this fall that I am super excited about working into my wardrobe in more of a subtle way, and one that I am particularly fond of.

The Peplum
We first saw the peplum reappear in the fall of 2011 and an official comeback the following spring, but from the looks of this fall's styles, it isn't leaving anytime soon. Basically a peplum is an added ruffle at the waist of an item of clothing. Peplums can come in jackets, tops, dresses and skirts. There have been a few attempts at pants but I wouldn't exactly suggest those to anyone..(meaning they are hideous). Although the first thought of peplums instantly filled my mind with awful 80's images, when it is done correctly, they can be highly fashionable and classic.

                                                       (because between this and the hat, I'd choose Wonderland..)

Thank goodness for time periods with better fashion sense. Due to a little 1940's influence, peplums, when made with the correct amount of fabric and hitting the body in the right place, can be very flattering to the body. While hiding the negative and accentuating the positive, is there really anything better?

And now that I have become fascinated with them, there is really no place to look without finding a great peplum outfit not only at every store, but in every magazine and award show I look at. It seems like every star with every body type has found a fantastic way to wear this classic revisited style.

Check out how these stars rock the peplum look!

                                                                       Emma Watson in two different styles

                                                                                    Gaga looking flawless

                                                                                           Jennifer Hudson

                                                                    both a formal and more casual look from Michelle Williams

                                                                                        Kim Kardashian

                                                                       Beyonce in an outfit very similar to Lady Gaga's

              clearly designer Victoria Beckham has this style down. One of her peplum dresses has been spotted all over Hollywood     
                                                                                                    (including herself!)

                                               And let's just be honest, anything Kate wears is something I want to wear too.

So here's to a fantastic style that can still make a huge trend wave over seventy years after it's first big moment!