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,

With Silver Bracelets On Her Wrists And Flowers In Her Hair

Bohemian layered bracelets

This look is a study in textures and colors. And summer is the perfect time to add this look to your breezy ensembles.

Nicole layers to perfection

Nicole layers to perfection

Lindsay parties with wrists full of bracelets

Lindsay parties with wrists full of bracelets

Erin Wasson is the ultimate model badass..check that hardware.

Erin Wasson is the ultimate model badass...check that hardware.

Elle Macpherson looks beautiful with her boho bracelets

Elle Macpherson looks beautiful with her boho bracelets

Jessica Szohr has badass style (post to follow) and always always stacks some bracelets.

Jessica Szohr has badass style (post to follow) and always always stacks some bracelets.

I have been meaning to make a bracelet like this one!

I have been meaning to make a bracelet like this one!

Ashley Tisdale loads up on wristwear

Ashley Tisdale loads up on wristwear

Boho princess Hudgens sports some armwear

Boho princess Hudgens sports some armwear

Peace,

Title from “Shelter from the Storm” by Bob Dylan

She’s Wearing The Tee Shirt Of My Favorite Band

Death Cab For Cutie in Boston

Death Cab For Cutie in Boston

[my own photo]

There are only a few things you can put on that will instantly make you look cooler. Aviator sunglasses might be one thing, Converse sneakers might be another, but what I’m talking about are band tee shirts. Concert tee shirts have been around forever. Veritably all generations around today know the allure of going to an awesome concert and coming home sporting the street-cred giving band tee. I’ve done it countless times and as a result have a whole drawer full of them. So how to wear these gems for maximum effect? They are, of course, just tee shirts, so you can’t go wrong pairing one with a worn in pair of jeans and Converse (and maybe aviators if you’re feeling it). Or, you can wear one in a non-conventional way, such as for a night out maybe with a motorcycle jacket or tucked into a high waisted skirt. These ladies represent their favorite bands (or maybe they just think these bands make them look cool, who knows).

With high waisted jeans for a '70s vibe
With high-waisted jeans for a ’70s vibe, Fleetwood Mac shout-out!
In a Kenny Rogers tee with a decidedly Pearl Jam feel
In a Kenny Rogers tee with a decidedly Pearl Jam feel
This was taken when she dated John Mayer. I miss her style from that phase!
This was taken when she dated John Mayer. I miss her style from that phase!
She never wears makeup or does her hair on regular days but looks better than most people who do. Dammit.
She never wears makeup or does her hair on regular days but looks better than most people who do. Dammit.
Example two
Example two
Keeping it rolling in a Stones tee
Keeping it rolling in a Stones tee

Bob Dylan would be proud...actually saddened.
Bob Dylan would be proud…actually probably saddened.

Wouldn't peg her as such a music lover...
Wouldn’t peg her as such a music lover…
Prince for a night out clubbing
Prince for a night out clubbing
Download this song: "Ali in the Jungle" by the Hours
Download this song: “Ali in the Jungle” by the Hours
Kirsten likes Woodstock and My Morning Jacket

Kirsten likes Woodstock and My Morning Jacket

[source]

Peace,

Title from “On Her Mind” by Duncan Sheik

Drive To The Country, I’ll Wear My Summer Dress

I’ve been on the market for a maxi dress for some time now. Not just any maxi, though; it needs to be perfect. Ask me to describe it and I have no idea what I’m looking for. What I do know is that these dresses are uber-comfortable (Believe me…I’ve tried on about twenty). They are the quintessential summer bohemian staples: minimal effort with a big impact. Just add some metallic sandals, layered necklaces, some bracelets, etc. The flowing simplicity of the dress deems excessive accessorizing necessary. The following celebrities got the look completely right.

Not her usual style, but the print is great!

Not her usual style, but the print is great!

Emaciated but this is a nice change from her legging obsession.

Emaciated but this is a nice change from her legging obsession.

Rocking the ruched top style that her sister started in '04

Rocking the ruched top style that her sister started in '04

Not your traditional maxi, but she looks perfect as always.

Not your traditional maxi, but she looks perfect as always.

The picture of summer

The picture of summer

Peace,

Title from “Your Love Is All Mine” by Corinne Bailey Rae