Modern Girls Always Get Their Way, Modern Men Dream Of What They Can’t Say

As this season has progressed, I have begun to notice that my daily outfits have turned into something of a uniform: black opaque tights, colorblock dresses, black boots or flats, headbands for bad hair days, and less jewelry than usual.  These looks are not my typical bohemian, flowy outfits that I live in from Spring to Fall.  Blame it on the cold or the chasing pavements but I’ve gotten used to this seasonal wardrobe change.  Dare I progress to the full on mod look a la Sienna Miller post 2005boho-chic? Probably not, but the inspiring outfits I’ve been seeing on some of my favorites have not dissuaded me completely!

1. SIENNA MILLER in Balenciaga

2. KATE MOSS.

3. NAOMI WATTS in Balenciaga

4. SIENNA MILLER (AGAIN) is the queen of mod, and therefore I include her twice.

5. SOPHIA BUSH.

6. LAUREN CONRAD in Milly

7. GINNIFER GOODWIN.

8. NICOLE RICHIE in Missoni

Peace,

Title from “Modern Girls & Old-Fashioned Men” by The Strokes & Regina Spektor

Fashion Rules To Ignore

Never mix black and brown.

One of the supposed fashion golden  rules, the shunned upon mixing of black and brown in an outfit is one that I religiously break. Not only do I pay no attention to this rule, I actually like the look of the combination. And don’t let your mother’s tsk tsking stop you from walking out the door! An all black get-up with brown accessories like boots and a belt is perfection. Truthfully, the combo is not all that strange given the fact that black and brown are both neutrals and since when do neutrals clash with anything? I think the reputation arises when victims wear black and brown together and then subsequently break a whole bunch of other rules at the same time. Black mom jeans and a brown turtleneck? Hm not so much.

Kate Moss, Anne Hathaway, Lauren Conrad and Kristen Bell mix brown and black in their chic outfits

Kate Moss, Anne Hathaway, Lauren Conrad, and Kristen Bell mix brown and black in their chic outfits

Don’t wear white after Labor Day.

It’s a tale as old as time. Newsflash: white is fine. White skirts, dresses, and pants should be worn all year round! And now that you’ve decided to break the rule: go crazy. Bust out the Angel costume on Halloween. White (loose) skirt on Thanksgiving. Have a white Christmas. What I mean in my uncaffeinated attempts at humor is that this rule is so dated that it makes absolutely zero sense. So by all means wear your white bottoms to your heart’s content!

Olivia Palermo, Keri Russell, Kirsten Dunst and a Forever 21 model all wear white after Labor Day

Olivia Palermo, Keri Russell, Kirsten Dunst and a Forever 21 model all wear white after Labor Day

Match your purse to your shoes.

I wonder if anyone actually still believes this one. Caring about the matchy-matchy thing is just a waste of time. Spend time picking out beautiful and unique shoes and bags and no one will bother wondering why they don’t match each other. Add interest and contrast like the ladies below.

Rachel Bilson, Leighton Meester, Blake Lively and Lindsay Lohan don't bother matching their shoes to their purses

Rachel Bilson, Leighton Meester, Blake Lively, and Lindsay Lohan don't bother matching their shoes to their purses

Most importantly, never let empty rules or set norms dictate what you wear. It’s fun to follow trends and no one likes to be over or under dressed, but in the grand scheme of things no one cares more about what you wear than you yourself. So you might as well make your biggest critic happy!

Peace,

In the Forest Green Lived a Girl Who Put Her Hair in Braids

Hippie halos abound.

Rachel Mcadams, Diane Kruger, Lauren Conrad, Nicole Richie, Scarlett Johansson and Sienna Miller in bohemian braided updo hairstyles

Rachel Mcadams, Diane Kruger, Lauren Conrad, Nicole Richie, Scarlett Johansson and Sienna Miller in bohemian braided updo hairstyles

Peace,

Title from “Falling of the Rain” by Billy Joel

Accessorizing With A Conscience

Eco-friendly jewelry: Brazilets

Eco-friendly jewelry: Brazilets.

[source]

For every one of these bracelets sold, a tree is planted in the Brazilian rainforest.

According to their website, “brazilets” are a 200 year old accessory from Bahia, Brazil. Supposedly, when the bracelets wears out and falls off, three wishes will come true. Lauren Conrad has gained the company some spotlight with her abundant collection of them!

Each bracelet costs $5 and can be purchased at http://www.brazilets.com.

Peace,

Tie-Dye On The Highway, See The Garlands In Your Hair

It was cool in the ‘70s. It was cool in fifth grade. It is and always will be cool at any Phish or Dave Matthews Band concert. Tie-dye is back and is literally in fashion this spring. Blending seamlessly into the carefree fashion that we all try to channel, tie-dye is making its way onto shelves and into the closets of celebrity fashionistas. Pair tie-dye dresses and tops with strappy wedges or woven sandals. Add even more of a boho feel with excessive gold jewelry.  Seen on the runways and on the sidewalks, this technique of dying hasn’t died yet!

Lauren Conrad in Gypsy 05
Lauren Conrad in Gypsy 05
Suzanne Diaz in Anna Sui Resort 2009
Suzanne Diaz in Anna Sui Resort 2009
Blake Lively on the set of Gossip Girl
Blake Lively on the set of Gossip Girl
Kasia Struss in Michael Kors Resort 2009
Kasia Struss in Michael Kors Resort 2009
Ashlee Simpson's maternity style
Ashlee Simpson Wentz’s maternity style
Drew Barrymore looking quite bohemian
Drew Barrymore looking quite bohemian

Peace,

Title from “Tie-Dye on the Highway” by Robert Plant