Happy Holidays!

We just wanted to say Happy Holidays to all our readers!
We love you all.
Be safe!

and just for reference....

Flavia: fur coat from a vintage store in west palm beach, betsey johnson dress from wolfgang, isaac mizrahi for target shoes

Leah: vintage fur cardigan from my grandmother, trinity dress from wolfgang, betsey johnson tights and shoes, vintage snakeskin clutch

-Leah 

Shopping List:

Since it's the season of giving and being merry, I thought I'd give you guys some suggestions and inspirations for your winter wardrobe. It took me so long before I embraced winter fashion. I used to just wear hoodies and leggings all the time, but those days are over. It can be scary because the only way to really stand out in winter is to be daring with your fashion sense. Layer and accessorize with bright tights, bold handbags, scarves, and most importantly, boots. Here are some tips: 

     Boots are essential because they automatically give your outfit a more high-fashion look, and if you buy flat boots like me, you don't have to sacrifice comfort. I got both pairs of mine at Urban Thread for a steal, but you can find them at Urbanoutfitters.com. Also, you can find adorable boots at Bakers.com and Victoriassecret.com. Ankle booties are a major trend this winter, they make your legs look long and lucious, and they look great with both dressy and casual outfits. I got these Isaac Mizrahi's on sale at Target. But this style is everywhere, I highly recommend it! My treasure of the season is my Elliott Lucca handbag. I got it during a Black Friday sale for a fraction of its original price. Check out Elliottlucca.com if you're interested in buying a high-quality leather handbag but can't really afford to pay Marc Jacobs prices. I really recommend the brand, this bag is super reinforced and durable. The leather is beautiful too. I love my bag because it's huge, so I throw all of my school books in there, plus I can wear it while riding my bike because it has a long strap that goes across your chest. 

*Grey Dressage riding boot: UO, black Frye "Bonnie" tall riding boot, patent booties: Isaac Mizrahi for Target, bag: Elliott Lucca*

Fur (real or faux) is a classy accessory that just makes your outfit look expensive and makes you look fashion forward. I got my fur shawl at a thrift store in South Florida for $30 dollars(amazing!). The best part are the front pockets, super cute and very warm. Shrunken blazers are sleek and smart, wear them over dresses or tees. There are tons at Urban Thread.

*Vintage shawl, vintage pearls, shrunken blazer: Urban Outfitters, sunglasses: H&M*

High Waisted skirts are CRUCIAL to a successful winter wardrobe, and your yearly wardrobe in general. Sooo many girls say that they aren't daring enough to wear them, "they won't look good on me", blah blah blah. Attention: high waisted skirts make you look skinny, girly, and adorable! They look good on any girl, no matter your size or your height, because they hit you at yyour slimmest poin and they hide all of the scary stuff. Point being: I swear by them. They are a great element to an outfit because they can be colorful or subtle, but still be stylish. Try all kinds of fabrics, prints, and textures. 

"How do I wear them", you ask? Well, wear a tucked in blouse, tank or tee, and a fitted cardigan. Simple. 

*From top left: floral skirt: Forever21, leather skirt: Urban Renewal, pencil skirt: BB Dakota, available at Wolfgang in Gainesville, floral skirts: Forever21, vintage floral slip, floral skirt: Delia's, sheer vintage pink skirt, Delia's cardigan*

Lace Tights: Urban Outfitters

Forever21 "Spring Floral" Tights

Heart Tights: Betsey Johnson

I've said it once, and I'll say it again: Tights are amazing. As you can see, they come in all patterns, colors, and textures. Wear them with anything! Skirts, dresses, under tunics, shorts, anything! They make your legs look long and toned and they just really make an outfit. No matter what your style is, there are tights out there for you! 

     I really hope that you've seen some things that you'd like to try out for winter. I tried to tag as many things as I could so that you would know where to find them. As far as what I'm on the prowl for: frilly tops, knuckle rings, and more dresses. Please let me know what you think. Also, sorry about the delay since the last post, school and finals have been super hectic but I'm finally done, so expect much more! Comment and let us know what you would like to see on our blog. Have a great holiday and happy shopping!

-Flavia

Must Love: Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are extremely under-valued, if you ask me. I have found so many treasures in thrift stores, so I thought I'd make it a point to show all of you how much you can add to your wardrobe just by digging around at your local Salvation Army. I know that thrift stores smell kinda funny sometimes and that digging through the piles can seem like a hassle, but it's so worth it when you find great statement pieces. The thing is that when you do find something, it's probably going to be precious. The best part is that you'll be finding cute things and will only have to spend a couple of dollars. Here are some of my best finds: 

Vintage purses, handbags, and clutches:

     These are my absolute pride and joy. I love vintage clutches,especially, because they are either beaded, or have adorable closures. I can't take credit for finding all of these because the truth is that a lot of these were a gift from my boyfriend, who is a fiend when it comes to thrifting. Some highlights: I found that legit Moschino shoulder bag at a Goodwill in South Florida. It's one of my best finds. I also really love all of the mesh-y chain bags that I have. I just think that they're really classic and rare, so it's great when you find them. I definitely recommend mixing old and new fashions. A modern shrunken blazer and plasic leggings look chic and classic when you factor in a vintage clutch or satchel. Plus, its amazing that you can get this arm candy for under $5!

 

Vintage Belts:

     Well, if you didn't already know, I love accessorizing with high-waisted belts. Not only are they slimming, but they just add a pop to an otherwise plain outfit. I've gotten all of these belts from thrift stores. Some are from West Palm Beach, others are from Jacksonville and Ocala. They range from real leather and python, to elastic waists. I'm almost certain that none of these cost me over $2.50. Totally worth it! These are probably what I find most frequently when I thrift. I never leave them behind either! If you're weary of trying the high waisted trend, then maybe try a more low-slung belt over a dress or tunic. Once you've faced your fears and have recieved dozens of complements, go for the high waisted, I promise you'll never go back! 

Some other great things I've found at thrift stores:

-Adorable floral bedding

-If you're not creeped out by wearing somebody's old shoes: vintage keds and flats

-Vintage jewelry like pearls, pins, and other baubles

-An amazing fur shawl, photo to be posted later

-Furniture: the furniture in these pictures was purchased from thrift stores here in Gainesville. I really love buying old wood furniture and then painting it a funky color. 

There are thrift stores all around Gainesville, just dig around and you'll start getting a sharp eye eventually. Even I'm not a pro yet. Some of my favorite hotspots here are the Salvation Army on NW 23rd Ave, and also the thrift store in the Tutoring Zone plaza, on Main St. and NW 10th Ave. Even if you don't reside in the 352, give thrifting a try. Just a sidenote, don't be fooled thinking that a "thrift" store is the same as a "vintage" store. A lot of people throw the term around, but you get tricked. Vintage stores are specialty stores where they do the hunting for you, then then charge an arm and a leg for their finds. There's a great selection, but unfortunately you'll be paying a lot more than if you put in the hard work and search around yourself. The great thing about vintage stores though, is that you find great old luxury pieces. All in all, old never gets old. Go thrifting and it'll give you a unique wardrobe that all of your friends will be jealous of, and no one else will have it!

Hope you're inspired!

-Flavia

I died, went to Venus, then came back when I heard....

HELLO KITTY + M.A.C. COSMETICS ARE COLLABORATING!!

I'm already saving my money for it! Here's the deal:

M.A.C.'s Hello Kitty collection will be available on the M.A.C. website on February 10, and will be available in stores on February 12. This is going to be particularly amazing because the Hello Kitty line will be divided into two collections: the "Hello Kitty Colour Collection", which has the most variety , and "The Hello Kitty Kouture" collection, which is more high-end. Heres an idea of what will be available to you, just to get you excited:

Hello Kitty Colour Collection:

-Six shades of lipstick at $14 each (Just a sidenote: if you haven't already tried it out, M.A.C. lipstick is fabulous! Leah and I are both obsessed. I have two shades, "Chatterbox" and "Girl About Town", and I wear them every single day.)

-Six Lipglass shades at $14 each

-Two Tinted Lip Conditioners at $14.50 each

-Two eye-shadow palettes, each containing 4 colors at $38 each

-Two shades of pigment at $19.50 each

-Two Reflects Glitter stockkeeping units in blue or pink at $17.50 each (I have no idea what these are)

-Four Glitter Eyeliners, each $16.50

-Two shades of Beauty Powder, $22

-Three shades of NAIL POLISH!!! $11 each

-Black Mascara, $12

-False Lashes, $12

-A Petit Makeup Bag, $22, and a Medium Makeup Bag, $35.

Hello Kitty Kouture:

-Two shades of Dazzleglass, $28 each. Apparently these feature silver chains that have black Hello Kitty pendants that are adorned with white Swarovski crystals and a pink crystal BOW! Umm, I'll be owning this.

-Sheer Mystery Powder, $90. This will be available in three shades, packaged in a silver Hello Kitty compact again encrusted with pink, black and white crystals and a bow.

Accessories:

-A Hello Kitty plush doll, $42

-A purse mirror, $22

-A three-brush collection, $49.50

-Mirrored key clip, $16

-Beaded Bracelet, $34

-Tote bag, $45

-Soft Vanity Kit, $55

Sorry that was so lengthy, but I couldn't help but include every detail that I could find. Apparently, the collection is only going to be available for eight weeks so don't let it slip your mind. This is a perfect valentine's (or anti-valentine's) gift for a bestie. Leah's already expecting some Lipglass shades and nail polish from me! I hope some of you are excited to hear about this, I expect it to be a big hit!

Hello Kitty for life!

-Flavia

Oh yeah... duh

I'm such a head case that I completely forgot to post an interview that I did for Monique of Your Style Star. Read it... it's about me. 

It's sweet when someone wants to share the blog love. 

Leah<3

Gray Nail Polish

After finding out that both Flavia and I coincidentally have gray nail polish on our fingernails, I decided to make a post about it! It's my new favorite.

I've heard Rescue Beauty Lounge is awesome nail polish but I've never actually used it. Has anyone else? I always just buy OPI or Flare nail polish from Urban Outfitters because its cheap and they come in weird colors that no one else has. My gray is actually from Urban and it's like a dark gunmetal gray. I think gray is a pretty, toned-down alternative to the black nails that were popular last fall. What do you guys think?

The Flavs and stuff

Here are some random photos of Flavia, my darling lovergirl, that I've been meaning to post and a couple others:

Nacho is stylin'

Just working... you know

The new bike

at Art Bash

A bracelet I received as an early x-mas gift

a shirt I went a little too crazy on... I plan to make the holes smaller next time

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I had an awesome week-long break in Orlando and I spent way too much money. Maybe I'll make a post of my findings. The Prime Outlets (Betsey Johnson, American Apparel, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Juicy Couture, etc.) are the jam if you're ever in Orlando! 

-Leah<3

T-shirt shredding

Here's some stuff Flavs and I have been doing on Saturdays when we can actually spend time together! Shredding t-shirts takes a lot of time and tough fingers so beware! but the outcome is worth it. 

In the process 

Shes's an exhibitionist. 

Ok so if you want to shred a t-shirt, watch the video made by Camille of   Childhood Flames and it will give you a step-by-step tutorial. it's what we used to get started. 

Here's some of our own tips. 

1. use a new shirt because old shirts seem to be tougher from multiple washes. i found this out the hard way and that's why my shirt only has two panels. it really hurt my fingers.

2. be careful not to pull too hard because the threads will rip. you'll get holes, but they look cool so who cares.

3. just use your fingers to do it because a seam ripper is kinda pointless. 

4. it will take you a while to get a feel for it, so just keep trying different positions and you'll get the hang of it. i had to ask flavia for a lot of help because she got it way faster than i did. 

5. the fibers are actually very strong even after you shred it so feel free to wash. i did and it turned out fine. 

good luck! let me know if you have any questions.

Leah<3

Interview with Brooklyn stylist Julie Williams

Just to be clear, you styled the models in the pictures...right? 

Yes, I styled the clothing, accessories, and often times the scenery and props. 

Is fashion styling your day job or do you have another job as well? 

It is supposed to be a day job, however times are slow so I do odd office 9-5 jobs more than half the time to make rent/bills. It's a bummer but it's pretty typical.

How did you get involved in styling? 

I had been assisting (personal and administrative) high profile executives and a couple of celebs for almost 8 years and finally just freaked over the lack of creativity involved in my day to day. My boss at the time and I clashed in a major way and hating my then job was the final push I needed to just do some thing, anything creative and fun. I save a bunch of money and started meeting stylists to get advice from. I had no idea what I was doing, all I knew was I loved putting visuals together and producing gorgeous images. Eventually I learned about all the logistics, like fitting and prepping garments or pulling from showrooms, etc. 

When did you start? 

August 07, not so long ago. 

Was it your dream or did you just fall into it? 

See #3 for part of the answer, but it's not exactly my dream job to be honest. It's extremely taxing, physically exhausting to an almost unbearable degree at times, and there's a lot of difficult challenges that come with the job in general such as dealing with rough characters, or waiting 90 days or more to get paid from jobs. 

Did you have to overcome any obstacles? 

Many, and still am. The financial part is difficult. Jobs pay quite low when you're starting out and some times it can last that way for years til it finally starts to click. I am making less than half what I made at my 9-5, though the freedom and creative aspects are nice. It's hard to get paid very little (or not paid at all) and work so hard on a project. It makes it challenging to figure out how to get by and still do what you enjoy without killing yourself on a night job. NYC is an expensive place to live, but is also the best place to be a stylist in terms of the talent, designers and general access to a million inspirational and amazing things. 

Did you go to school or are you just naturally talented? =) 

I did go to school, but for theater (haha) and communication/media. This was 7 years ago and obviously is unrelated to my current choice of employment. 

Can you explain the environment at a photo shoot?  

They're all different. Some times when it's for a big editorial, ad or catalog job it will be in a gorgeous studio with many people, and tons of yummy catering. Everyone is busy playing their part to make the results fantastic. Some times it will be a small operation and we'll work in my apartment and shoot out on the street and take a break with some deli sandwiches. It varies each time. 

Do you usually work with people you know or do you just stumble upon projects… Essentially, how do you find work? 

It's becoming difficult with the woes of the economy. Some times people find me through sites like dripbook. Some times people I assist will pass on jobs to me that they don't want or can't do. And from there you build relationships if the first time clicks and they call you back. 

Do you have a favorite designer? If not, who do you enjoy the most? 

It's hard to chose just one. And because of my financial situation I can't really shop but some times I get stuff for free. I have to be creative with my personal style and I wear a ton of vintage, and often times will find sick things at forever 21 that look really high end. (shhh!) If I could afford to shop though, I love matthew williamson, sonia rykiel, and Rachel Comey. 

If you could work with anyone, who would it be and why? 

If I could work with anyone, it'd be all my friends - every day - because they're all wildly talented and inspiring to me. Otherwise, I'd love to dress some music icons like Grace Jones or Bowie! 

I really enjoyed "Riding Dirty" and "Get Some Colors On." What were they used for? 

Riding Dirty was shot for a spanish magazine called Clone. It came out over the summer. Get Some Colors on should appear in Dujour Magazine soon. 

What advice would you give to those who aspire to work as stylists? 

Be passionate!!!! It's the main thing that will keep you going. Also - find odd jobs or a night job at first, you'll need it. :)

I see that you live in Brooklyn, which I fell in love with this summer and hope to move to after graduation. Do you like living there? 

I love Brooklyn! I'm a native New Yorker, born in Brooklyn, raised on Long Island and have been living in the city and BK for the last 10 years. It's the only place to be for me right now. I'd love to experience other cities perhaps in the future, but NY has me consistently hooked. There's an almost overwhelming amount of inspiration, music, art, style and energy in Brooklyn, I feel thankful every day to be here.

-Leah<3

Things to check out in Gville this month:

Sometimes it's hard to find new and exciting things to do around here, BUT, this month is showing great potential! Hopefully I'll see some of you at:

Store101: admiring the art of Gainesville's own Ted Lincoln. 

His "Lost in Perspectives" exhibit will be on display at Store101 until Nov. 21, so check it out! Rumor has it that there may be a closing party, I'll fill you in on all the deets. 

Art Bash:

I went to Art Bash last year and it was so much fun. You can check out our friends in the art department and get to see everything they work so hard on. There's art displayed everywhere, graphics, sculpture, live art, performance art, and all kinds of other entertainment. I have to say, I look forward to seeing my favorite Gainesville band, EVERYTHING IS OK, play that night!! 

Go to UF's College of Fine Arts area on Friday Nov. 14 from 7:00-10:00 pm. Trust me it'll be amazing. 

The Rocky Horror Show:

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of my absolute favorite movies, so when I heard that it would be performed at our own Constans Theatre this month, I couldn't help but do the time warp. There aren't too many performances left, so get your tickets soon! You can buy tickets at the University Box Office or Ticketmaster.com. 

Here are the dates: 

Nov. 12- 7:30pm

Nov. 13- 7:30pm

Nov. 14- 7:30pm

Nov. 15- Midnight Show!!

Nov. 16- 2:00pm Closing Show

See you around!

Flavia<3

Inspiration

Hey there!

Well, between school and our two jobs, Leah and I are constantly blogging and shopping, searching for new inspirations. We really want our blog to flourish. Being so busy these days, you can really get stuck in a fashion rut sometimes, but here are some of my findings that hopefully you will enjoy too: 

Fashion Books:

Both of these are in my Amazon.com shopping cart as we speak. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's long anticipated book is finally available, and if you lurk sneak peaks online it's really irresistible. I think fashion is all about inspiration and experimentation, and the twins exemplify this through the gorgeous imagery in their book. 

For all of you Style.com fanatics out there, their own Candy Pratt's book is full of images of gorgeous accessories that are not only aesthetically beautiful, but also very artistically inspired. 

Wearing Tights Under Everything:

It's been surprisingly nippy in Gainesville recently. If you're like me and still want to sport your onesies, high waisted skirts, and shorts, then just throw a pair of opaque or patterned tights on under your signature pieces and not only will you feel adorable, but people can still admire your legs while not having to lurk your goosebumps. I really love how a temperature drop can lead to great fashion experimentation. Mix textures and colors!

Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton:

So impressive. I almost bought this gem of a film on impulse at the MJ boutique in soho last year with Leah, but it was around $35 dollars so.....no. Thank the fashion heavens for Netflix. This documentary is fantastic because it really makes you appreciate the creative process that goes into putting together collections. If you've ever said to yourself "Why is high fashion so damn expensive?!", then watch this. Not only will you have an epiphany as to how talented Marc Jacobs really is (and how surprisingly hot he is), but you'll make a separarate savings account for your own LV gear. Thanks to our reader who recommended it a few posts ago, you were so right!

TOPSHOP:

Why is the Euro such a strong form of currency? I should know that from macroeconomics but what I just don't understand is why I can't dress in Topshop merch every day. Their collections are so on point with what's hot right now. Essentially, everything that is on your mental fashion wishlist you can find at Topshop. I might have to splurge...

Check out their look book here.

Hopefully you've been intrigued. Some things to look forward to: Mine and Leah's shredded tee adventure. I'm really interested in writing more posts about fashion finds for girls and guys on a budget. It's difficult having Louboutin and Marc Jacobs dreams with minimal funding, I know first hand. So I'll be looking out for must-haves that you can actually look forward to owning. Just a reminder: please wear your cutest outfits to school and around town so that Leah and I can take your pictures. We are in desperate need of more Street Style material! Comment on any of your own interesting fashion findings or projects, we'd really like to get to know what our readers are interested in. Good luck with school/work/life <3

-Flavia

Here are the pictures we took of the Bobby K fashion show. I love when there are fashion shows in Gainesville because it makes me feel like... I'm not in Gainesville. I have to praise him for having the guts to show his work in front of his peers. It would be difficult to expose yourself so easily to criticism. We tried to get a good spot for pics but it was packed in there. And forgive us for the poor quality. We used iPhones to take all the pictures and it's not the best camera. My favorite motifs in his work are the black and white stripes, huge bows and ruffles. duh! I would buy the black and white asymmetrical/ruffle strap dress in the last picture if I could! 

Click the picture to see larger versions of the full album.

Alexander McQueen for Target

I just found out that Alexander McQueen will be collaborating with Target in March 2009. The collection, call McQ Alexander McQueen for Target, will be separate from the Go International line. Pictures have not yet been released but I'm super excited to see what McQueen's ideas are for Target. Alas, I can finally own something designed by one of my favorite designers... or at least his creative team. 

Edit: McQ Alexander McQueen for Target will feature lightweight sweaters, slim and cuffed shorts, skinny jeans and bubble dresses. Specific pieces include a black trench, gray denim studded cropped jacket, a tuxedo blazer, swimwear and cotton print scarves. exciting! 

McQueen's muse for the collection is lead singer of the band The Duke Spirit, Leila Moss.

P.S. I will post pictures of the Bobby K fashion show soon... been trying to get an interview with him but I guess its not going to happen. Also, mine and Flavia's shredded t-shirt adventure.

Some proposed changes...

So, I know that posts have been few and far between this past week or so... but it has been hell week for the two of us at school... not to mention we both have two jobs. Regardless, we apologize for the lack of posting and we promise to start back up soon. Flavia and I have decided to make our blog a bit more personal. We plan to take pictures of one another's outfits for the blog. Let me be honest here, Flavia is my best friend and best style inspiration and she always has me on my toes and planning what to wear next. Thus, look forward to some pics of us and ours clothes and recent purchases. We both shop quite a lot so we shouldn't have a lack of posting material. So please continue reading and we promise to come through with some interesting things. 

One quick tip before I go: 

This jacket is amazing and we had it at Wolfgang and I'm seriously kicking myself in the ass for not getting it when it was $75. You could get this jacket at urbanoutfitters.com for $98, BUT fredflare.com has it for only $80! and FredFlare has a bunch of cute accessories and trinkets for your home. I've purchased a ton of stuff from there and they always have discounts. If you type "mountain" into the promo code box at checkout you get 25% off until 11.17. 

p.s. if you have a twitter account, we should follow each others' tweets. my twitter name is lsouth.

-Leah

Street Style: Karuna in the Weimar Hall Courtyard

I have Public Relations Research with Karuna and have always thought she was stylish. On this day, she was looking too sweet and bookish with her coffee and scarf for me to pass up. Because Karuna is from Hong Kong, so are many of her clothes, including the top, scarf and cardigan from this look. She's also wearing Levi's skinny jeans and the Jack Purcell Converse. 

Erik Jones Show at Store 101

Erik Jones featured his solo exhibit at Store 101 this weekend and these are my three favorites from his show. I once snagged a sketch of his at a show, which I love because I can't afford his paintings. If you want to see more of Erik's work, check out theirison.blogspot.com or shekills.com (his t-shirt line).

-Leah

Street Style: Cecey in Fine Arts Courtyard

I was walking through the Fine Arts Courtyard to do some fliering when I came across Cecey sitting at a table listening to her iPod. I like that she's already wearing tights with her shorts... a look I have not yet braved despite recent cold weather. It's just too hot for me still. Plus, her outfit matches the blog! love it. In this look: top/shorts - Forever 21, tights - target, shoes - Wal-mart, belt - thrift store. This girl really knows how to look cute for cheap, which always inspires me.

-Leah