Head Over Heels

     I thought that I was adventurous sporting red patent leather pointy-toed Mary Janes, leopard print smoking slippers and bubblegum pink espadrilles. But it turns out my footwear choices are totally tame...
     Sophia Webster (of Sophia Webster) and Charlotte Dellal of Charlotte Olympia are footwear masterminds who have created ingenious designs that are not only dreamy to wear but also pieces of art.
     Webster utilizes pastel colors, bold patterns and graphic shapes in her girly shoes. After seeing a few of her designs in Teen Vogue, they instantly reminded me of Katy Perry because they give off an irresistibly cute yet sexy vibe. I especially love her flamingo booties; just looking at them makes me smile.
     Charlotte Olympia, a company that I discovered a little while back, instantly attracted me with the infamous Kitty Flat. Their current Pre Fall collection has me in total awe. Each shoe incorporates cues from old Hollywood, like gold star-embellished platforms and sandals with film-shaped ankle straps.
     While these designs are pretty pricy for a high school student like myself, they've inspired me to be on the lookout for wilder choices.

Images: Sophia Webster, Charlotte Olympia

Sketchy

     A couple of years back, Alexa Chung designed a collection for Madewell and I was lucky to get my hands on a tee that featured a doodle from her sketchbook. Since then I've grown very fond of simple line drawings. The brands Deerdana and Black Score have mastered the art of featuring sketches of icons from the art, fashion and entertainment worlds on basic white tees. Who wouldn't want to don a little bit of Cara Delevigne's silly spirit or old Violet Crawley's sass?

Images: Deerdana, Black Score

Cut It Out

Clockwise: Oasis Cut Out Side Dress, ERA By Kymerah Eliza Cutout Halter Dress, Sparkle & Fade Sateen Cutout Skater Dress, Reformation Fiore Dress, Nasty Gal Diamond Crush Jumpsuit, Rory Beca Cherry Cutout Dress

     Cutout clothing has staked its claim in the fashion world. Rather than exposing excess skin in one place, cutouts turn the skin into a background to highlight interesting shapes and forms of fabric. The ubiquitous trend is seen from runways and red carpets to high school halls. Thick linear cuts in gowns at this year's Met Ball and thin patterned slits in Alexander Wang's current spring collection exhibit the style on the high fashion spectrum. The look can also be achieved in everyday wear such as short, flirty dresses and sleek jumpsuits. I must have subconsciously forecasted this trend; I tested it out last summer! 

Images: Vogue, Style.com

Black and Blue

American Apparel Jumper, J.Crew Cropped Pants, Marais USA Mary Janes, Tiffany & Co. Locket, Jennifer Meyer Ring 

     An illustration of an über-stylish French woman in Ines De La Fressange's Parisian Chic gave birth to today's outfit. After seeing this drawing, which features a woman clad in an oversized navy blue coat and black cropped pants, I realized how I'd been completely missing out in combining black and navy blue in one look. The perfect opportunity arose when I purchased a black 3D floral jumper (thanks to an unused birthday gift card) and received a pair of hand-me-down navy cropped pants from my mom. Who says black and blue is a bad thing?

Defining Style

     Often celebrated fashion figures have a unique, easily definable look. For example, take Rachel Zoe. At the sound of her name, I instantly picture oversized sunglasses, chunky jewelry, a black maxi dress, and outrageously high heels. Or the blogger Leandra Medine of the Man Repeller, whose title alone defines her wild and courageous fashion sense. Finally, "It Brit" Alexa Chung is well known for her edgy yet classic style. 
     I once believed that it was extremely important to have a distinct personal style like these fashionistas. I was often frustrated about not having my own clear-cut look. Lately however, I'm starting to realize that personal style doesn't have to be limited. It's not necessary to dress a specific way on a day-to-day basis. If you do, good for you! But if you don't, who really cares? Maybe one day my style will be more defined, but for now I'll continue to explore the possibilities. 

What does personal style mean to you?

Images: NY Mag, Harper's Bazaar, Refinery 29