Sidebar #1

Just a quick note: Fashion week in NYC has just ended and London's is just beginning. It is a beautiful time to be an internet addict and a fashion addict because everywhere you look there are pictures of runway shows, parties, and uber-stylish celebrities sitting front row. If only to look at the pretty colors, take advantage of the art that is being created in our modern world. As the sudden and untimely death of Alexander McQueen has shown, there is no better time to appreciate fashion then right now.

All things "Boyfriend": The Boyfriend Blazer

Oh the boyfriend blazer. Is there a more classic piece? (okay, maybe the LBD, but what goes best with a little black dress? A boyfriend Blazer). Back to my androgynous crazy talk, the boyfriend blazer is the ultimate balance between feminine and masculine. Pair it with a flirty floral dress, with a pair of skinny jeans, or over a cami and leggings. (and if you're really adventurous, without the cami. Vicki Becks did it - and it was kinda amazing). But aside from this male/female balance, the boyfriend blazer is an amazingly classic piece. It fits with any style (from euro chic to California) and transcends trend. The best part: you can wear it to work! It's a versatile piece appropriate for work, play, or in between. This blazer is beyond trendy, it's modern, chic, and yes, I'll say it again, classic.

The key is to find one that fits. The perfect boyfriend blazer looks like a man's suit jacket. It's long and fits the chest without that boxy look. Find one that fits in the shoulders especially - this is isn't the 80s and you don't need to look like a linebacker with those shoulder pads (The discussion on my hatred of shoulder pads will be reserved for a later time). If it doesn't fit in the shoulders it'll look sloppy and bulky. Remember this is a jacket you want to wear over things without looking like you're wearing 7,000 layers.

Your boyfriend blazer has longevity and a timeless appeal. I would recommend investing in one. But if you're like me and still find it hard to part with a lot of money, try thrift stores. I got my blazer for about $33 from Forever 21. It has a bit of gold detail on the sleeves which I like because it gives it a little bit of a twist without distracting from the overall look of the coat. Try it out for yourself; it won't disappoint.

All things "Boyfriend": The Boyfriend Jean

Currently, I'm obsessed with a lot of things. Julia Child and, as an obvious derivative, Martha Stewart (I mean, have you ever read her magazine/watched her show? Is there nothing that woman cannot do?). I'm in love with this Navy/Sailor trend that's going around. Cause who doesn't love those thick stripes on EVERYTHING? But more than any of that I am obsessed with all things "boyfriend". Blazers, sweaters, and my recent borderline addiction, boyfriend jeans. (where are you Dr. Drew?)

Now let me explain. I'm a one jean woman. Always have been. In high school, it was nothing but flare cut jeans. From insane bell bottoms to these crazy ones I had with flames stenciled up the legs. I know what you're wondering - and yes I still have them. They're gonna come back in style, I swear! In college, I toned it down, opting more for boot cut jeans that I could wear out to house parties. My major break to date was just a few years ago when skinny jeans were everywhere. I was hesitant, adamant, and incredibly hostile to buying a pair. And then, I broke down. And I haven't gone back. I love skinny jeans. I have a pair in black, several shades of blue denim, white, bleached, and gray. I have ones with zips on the side, ones that get tighter at the bottom, and ones that are more straight leg then skinny. I even have a pair that are so tight I need to lay on my bed to pull all the way up. Pathetic, some might say, crazy, would be the opinion of others, but i sacrifice. I love those jeans.

And then, along came the boyfriend jean. We flirted. We talked. We dated. And now I can't stop calling. And the reason is this: I only have one pair and I just bought it. It was a short courtship. 2 days really. I made the decision to buy a pair. I looked them up online. I went to the mall. I bought them. And now I'm in a serious committed relationship.

Now I have read around that the boyfriend jean is no longer in style, it is only for younger girls, but honestly, what do you have against comfort? Boyfriend jeans are now made in a style for females. They aren't baggy, and instead they sit on or above the hips. The crotch, which on a pair of men's jeans is baggy, is tailored to look clean and not at all sloppy. Moving past those two things, you've got a great pair of jeans. Comfortable, not tight in the legs at all with a great worn-in look. Personally, I love the androgyny. Boyfriend jeans with a super girly top and heels. Boyfriend jeans with flats and a cropped cardigan. It's the classic play on hard/soft, masculine/feminine, even ying/yang. It's about achieving the inherent balance within us all.

However you want to look at it, these jeans have become my new staple. As they can be for you if you give them a try. I got my pair for $29.95 at American Eagle Outfitters (on sale). But a little internet research and you can get yours for cheaper (their even sold on eBay). That's the beauty of boyfriend jeans, they're supposed to look worn-in, distressed. So buying them at a thrift store would give the perfect effect. Just don't wear them rolled up at the ankle, please! Is you're ankle hot and the rest of you cold? What's the point of that?

What's in a name?

I'm not some fashion expert. I'm not a designer. I don't even work in the fashion industry. There are only two connections I have to fashion: I love it and I buy it. I'm an avid shopper but I refuse to spend more than $30 on any one item of clothing. I like bargains, but I'm not necessarily a bargain shopper. I like vintage, but I'm not necessarily a vintage hunter. I like sales but I won't buy everything that's on sale. In short, I'm an average person who doesn't mind splurging (read: $30) every once in a while, but I enjoy a good clearance sale.

My hope, if not my expectation, with this blog is simply to share my passion for clothing, accessories, and shoes with the world. I don't expect that anyone will even read this. But in case someone does stumble across this random blog, I promise one thing - fashion that is objective, cheap, and workable. For some reason I feel that fashion is promised only to those that can afford it. But who says that fashion is $300 shoes, a $500 dress, and a $3,000 bag? Why can't it be the jeans I bought for $10, a t-shirt I got for free, and my old school kicks? I'm hear to say that it can be that. And if you're a fan of fashion. this is the place.

That isn't to say I don't appreciate high fashion. I'm able to ogle over those $300 pair of shoes just like any other person. Because let's face it - I'm a slave to all things designer. But this is a blog for the average person about all things fashion. I promise high fashion, low costs, permanent swag. Enjoy.