Tuesday, March 27 2012: Style requires getting to know yourself

One of the biggest parts of fashion, for me, is getting to know yourself. Fashion’s counterpart is style, and that is something that can be seen in even someone’s swiftest movements. 

In the morning, I wake up with a simple ritual. It is the beginning of my beauty regimen. I take joy in caring for myself, without making it overwhelming with too many things to do. Stress is one of the biggest  factors in premature aging. Therefore, I do little things such as stretch to my favorite song, wash my face in cold water to firm up my skin, and feel what type of fashion I would like to express myself with today.

Before I begin to dress, I put on my silk robe and make my way to the backyard. I sun bathe for 15 minutes to get my Vitamin D intake. I’m accompanied by my two pups, Rudolph and Lucas, who are quite fashionable themselves. Rudolph is wearing a fitted polo; this Cockapoo is quite the prep boy. But my mornings weren’t always like this. 

Not so long ago, and still even now, sometimes, I wake up and find myself tugging back and forth with what I should wear. I didn’t know myself very well, and I didn’t follow my comforting instincts. Have you ever had an outfit in your life that you know you felt good in without having to try it on? It is because you had taken the time to evaluate yourself in that outfit and analyze the feelings you get from it.

 I decided that it was time for a spring cleaning in many areas of my life. I donated every outfit that I didn’t feel that same security in. It felt like a big weight off my shoulders. I put together a ton of new combinations that I never would have realized possible if it wasn’t for the dissection of my own closet! It also empowered me to know I have choices. But another big dissection people forget about is themselves.

So when you get up in the morning, remember that fashion couldn’t be what it is today without style, and style requires getting to know yourself. Only then will you be able to show your unique style to the world!

Thursday March 29, 2012: Eco Friendly Fashion

After playing tennis, I decided to make myself a fresh ginger and honey bath. While I was soaking, my mind was not at ease as it usually is in such a setting; my sandalwood incense burning its warm, sweet aroma into the air. I thought about how everything I do has a purpose, and that can become overwhelming sometimes. As fashionistas we are consumers. Could you imagine a world where the last bit of natural resources are extremely scarce and limited? We are beginning to get to that point, sooner than we think. We shouldn’t dwell about it in fear, but we should know how our carbon footprint can be reduced in our mortal world. We need to strive as a people to reduce our carbon footprint by a term called, “Carbon offsetting.” In return, it will preserve our human race for our future generations. I worry about my younger cousins , unborn child, and humanity itself these days. But, I started this year focused on positive thinking. As creative beings we have endless possibilities to improve our future. This is why you should never feel there is nothing you can do to make a difference. It begins with every individual.

Fashionable Ways to Reduce your Carbon Footprint

• Shop for recycled or handmade merchandise: In return, you will get cleaner air due to less manufacturing.    
• Buy local and organic food: If you have a Whole Foods around your area, invest in their eggs, mill, and fruits. Their fair trade production policy will most likely insure to have eco friendly regulations. Shopping locally will also reduce fumes into the atmosphere by limiting car use. Way to be environmentally active! Plus, organic is a chic way to be healthy.
• Recycle!!!: If this world was more focused on reusing then constantly consuming, we would be far better off then we are now. Just go take a look at the statistics in water bottles we use and don’t recycle. Like water, things should cycle back to us, as much as we possibly can. It also gives you a sense of preservation; something you can feel admirable about. Alternately, carry a refillable container, preferably an aluminum bottle.
• Unplug/Reduce: Unplugging laptops, phone charges, and tv’s while you’re not using them allows for a great reduction of the energy that we would otherwise be wasting. 

This is a bustier style knit bra. It gives off a sense of delicate vintage that makes you want to wear it just about anywhere, especially while you’re lounging around your house.

You can find this and similar styles at http://www.freepeople.com/

I just discovered this amazing brand known as, Xirena. Whats to love is that they’re creating undergarments that can be used as bikinis! The fabric is durable to water, and the colors and patters make it sun worthy. These bikinis fit so lovely. It is as if you’re wearing your own skin, and nobody will believe you when you tell them that you’re wearing undies &;)

(Source: revolveclothing.com)

Sunday, April 2 2012: Therapeutical Fashion

On those gloomy days, where the sky isn’t necessarily the culprit, theirs nothing better then to forget about your troubles by focusing on fashion. Fashion allows you to indulge in things that YOU like; it enables you to focus on something completely irrelevant to your troubles. Therapeutical fashion can be done in many different ways. If you are sick, or healing from something and have to stay inside, then open up a couple old magazines and start collaging! Cut out anything that catches your eyes. After a few magazines you will have found a whole different outlook on what type of fashion you are into, and you would have probably ran into a couple interesting articles as well. The pictures that draw you in, and the continuous cutting will be enough to put your mind at ease. If you are more of an outdoor person, then start by wearing something out that you usually wouldn’t, but think is fashionably creative. Then, research any local boutiques you’ve never been to. This will definitely broaden your fashion sense, by looking at all the new trends out in the world today. No one is saying you have to buy a thing! Window shopping will give you the same therapeutical benefits. But it doesn’t hurt to buy something small sometimes. It could even be a brand new nail polish with an amazing pop out color for the spring. It’s little things like this that can liven up your life and make the real world a lot less stressful for you.

Great Shopping Advice: If you find something you truly love but can’t quite afford, make sure to note down the designer’s name or brand. Chances are you can google it, and find much cheaper prices by ordering it on the internet.

Day #1: The Traditional Blazer

Fashion in the Moment is excited to introduce a business fashion spread for every day of this week.

It is amazing how far fashion sense can take you in your life. But theirs one place where fashion can shine the most, and also achieve getting you the exact position you want to be in. If you haven’t guessed it yet, it is in an interview! Whether you’re applying for a new job, or going on a business trip, fashion can leave a strong and lasting impression. Therefore, Inspire Envy!

The Golden Rule: Dress for the job title you want in the future, not the one you’re applying for.

If you haven’t met your employer yet, you want to keep it formal. What I mean by this, is you might think wearing a business jacket is a little much, but imagine how sharp you’re going to be looking! You can also tone it down by wearing a pastel, or bright colored blazer, if you have the cojones. Remember, first impressions are vital. Therefore, you want to feel as confident as possible going into the snake pit. Something that makes me feel assertive is when I wear my natural voluminous hair down. It empowers me as a woman, and it looks great on me! So go out there and kick some ass with a stunning blazer, and whatever makes you rock it with power. Like Beyonce says, “who run the world? Girls,” and fashion in my opinion &;)

Day #2: Cardigan Kind of Girl

This day should be about the office getting a feel of your down to Earth personality, so tone it down a bit with one of my favorite closet items, the simple yet sweet cardigan. Not only does it look office chic when accessorized well, but it’s so cozy and comfortable on your skin! To add a delicate flair, wear your hair down and style it with waves. 

Day #3: Skirts are Not just for Flirts

Begin to spice things up a bit with a high waisted skirt and a tucked in blouse. To make this outfit the ultimate eye catcher, adorn your wrist with an accessory that is strong enough to stand out on its own, with minimum to no other jewelry added. I find that this look is also great to do a cat eye with, and don’t be shy to wear some 3 inch pumps, just as long as they’re conservative. Now, you’re probably thinking this look is way too sexy for work, but it’s all in how you work it. If you wear your hair up, you will automatically tone down the sexiness, and make it look more formal. Apply blush to bring out your strongest facial features, and this too, will empower your look and make you look invincible! 

Day #4: Put That Dress On!

This is the day you want to shine, because you’re either wrapping up the follow up interviews and securing a position you wanted with the company, or you’re a new employee and you wanted to show them how marvelous you look at your best.

Tips for picking the right work dress

• Make sure the dress suits your body type. Pick an airy dress, or one that naturally caresses your curves. Just make sure nothing is too skin tight on you.
• Wearing too much cleavage or showing too much legs is inappropriate and extremely unprofessional. My mother always taught me to choose one or the other to show off.
• Put that hair down! But use accessories moderately, because your dress should be doing most of the talking.