As a follow up to last week's post about finding fashion items in thrift stores, this week's post is about some items you may want to look out for when you head out shopping.
First off, prints are in! Whether it's florals or geometrics, these risky items are here to stay. J. Crew's recent spring 2012 ready-to-wear collection features large floral prints and stripes. While this full on print (below) may be a look only for the brave, those who want to slightly emulate the look may opt to pair the print with a solid, such as a statement top with solid colored pants like black, jeans or a color that's in the print itself and vice versa with a printed bottom.
Also this season, it's all about color, color and color. Bright solids matched with other bright colors appear to be a reoccurring theme in collections. Light colored pastels have been used in some of the designers' collections, and even the very loud highlighter colors are making statements on the runways. While all these colors are very different, very loud and very out there, they have one thing in common — they're all solid.
If loud isn't for you, you can try a toned-down version of these looks by wearing a black or white blazer, jacket or cardigan over the vibrant colors to bring them down. The look below, featured in 3.1 Phillip Lim, uses a white blazer to soften the colors.
I love when the worlds of fashion and function come together. Parkas are another staple that is in. You must understand that this is an incredible addition to anyone's wardrobe in Gainesville, seeing as we are often hit with unpredictable rains. Thrift stores are full of these. When looking, try to pick up one that's black or a neutral color, like the Alexander Wang parka below, so it can match with most outfits. It will be easy to throw on when the rain starts pouring and will also come in handy for the upcoming cold season.
The tuxedo look has been in numerous collections, and it's not a full out tuxedo — it's just an everyday classy look. Pair up your best fitting pants, narrow ankle preferred, with a skinny belt and a black, white or navy blue (for the risky, a bright color) well-tailored blazer. The Isabel Marant look (below) does a fantastic job of creating an everyday tux look.
Remember it's not essential to find the exact cut or look; you just want to emulate the look.
While putting outfits together is quite a challenge, especially if you're running late for class, the above-mentioned looks are basics and staples to wardrobes. They are easy to mix and match with some of the items you may already have in your closet, therefore getting ready for class should now be easy and effortless. The only time-consuming part is the shopping, but after taking the time to find quality pieces, looking good can be easily attainable.
Most importantly, you don't have to copy exactly what the runways are doing, just experiment and borrow ideas here and there and create a look that's uniquely yours and no one else's. Doesn't it feel awful when you pay $50 for an Abercrombie T-shirt only to see another girl in the same thing? Thrift stores are great simply because you and another person won't find the same dress or the same blazer and can both look good without having to look identical and unoriginal. That's a great way to spread the fashion around.
Posts in If the Choo Fits appear on Tuesdays.
