#ForTheSakeofFashion: Booties In The Summer?

If you live in a warm country (which I do not), you may be faced with the following dilemma. Can I still buy a pair of boots? What if they're cute Chelsea boots? Is this purchase justifiable?

Your answer is most definitely yes.

Though it may seem like an illogical purchase in every way, little booties have become a style statement. Even those of the over-the-knee variety can now be worn with a mini dress for a different effect altogether.

via breakfastwithaudrey.com.au

We've all seen the Mileys and Caras of this world sport some combat boots with a pair of shorts. Depending on whether or not you live in L.A, this can be permissible. In fact, it's almost encouraged, especially when combined with an edgier outfit.

Whether a pair of peep-toe booties for a night on the town or combat boots for your daily shopping excursion (or monthly, depending on your level of addiction), boots have transformed into a year-long versatile look that never goes out of style. Sometimes you're not in the mood to wear a sandal, possibly because you haven't had the time to redo your pedicure. No matter. Boots are here to rescue you from a chipped nail fiasco.

Sure, the sneaker is the most logical alternative, but as I always say, fashion should (almost) NEVER be about logic, but rather about playful creativity. In other words, you should be wearing booties #forthesakeoffashion and not because it's cold outside. In fact, the cold should not dictate how you dress (for the most part). You should control the weather by wearing what you please, when you please. That may be our only way of coping with our weather woes.

So, next time you're considering wearing those little black boots in the summer, don't let warm weather get in the way of your decision.

Ponder it,

Bella

#ForTheSakeofFashion: Wearing One Earring, Yay or Nay?

via Getty Images

In recent months, everyone's talking about ear candy, who is stealing the spotlight from the more commonly known arm candy. Whether more of us are wearing our hair up or we're simply looking for additional ways to adorn ourselves, earrings are the jewels of the moment and it's time to expose our least attractive body part, the ear (I know that's debatable, but we'll let it slide).

Last year was all about the glamorous ear cuff that emboldened the woman who wore it. With an ear cuff so flashy, the rule is to wear it on one ear and keep it simple with a stud or nothing on the other. As this trend gained momentum, women started to neglect the other ear all together. It became a game of picking your favourite ear and keeping the jewellery limited. So, make sure you choose your best side.

Though beauty is generally defined by aesthetic symmetry, the fashion industry likes to embrace the opposite, contrary to popular belief. From asymmetrical hemlines to hair parted on one side and teeth parted in the center, we're all feeling a little lopsided anyway.

Who needs a second earring when your bling on that one side already makes such a statement?

As a lover of asymmetry, I can't help but feel drawn to this trend. Symmetry tries to impose perfection, while asymmetry glorifies imperfection. There's a common misconception that fashion magazines are constantly trying to project a singular image of beauty. While this may have been true in the past, it is currently trying to counter that belief by encouraging the oddballs to shine. Moreover, plus size is becoming less taboo and ethnic models are becoming more prominent on the runway scene. It's officially an era of major changes.

Could the one-sided earring be an even bigger symbolic change than we think?

While it may make little sense to us now, it's on its way to becoming a chic fashion trend that takes us back to our childhood days of returning home from preschool with one earring missing. At the time, it was usually another little girl or boy who had pulled it off or we lost it at the park while playing in the sand. Today, it's intentional.

So find yourself that one statement piece. Pull your hair to the side. And own it.

Ponder that,

Bella

10 Reasons Wearing Sunglasses Indoors Is NOT The Craziest Idea

via BBC

With Fashion Week just around the corner, I can't help but think about the fashion choices that will inevitably be made on the streets of New York come February 11th. I feel like a street style photographer getting his camera gear ready minus the credentials of Tommy Ton. Of course, I will be sitting at home flipping through photos on Style.com, but no matter. I will be there in spirit. One of my favourite fashion choices during Fashion Week happens to be the mystery of Anna Wintour's sunglasses. Why is this so mysterious aside from the obvious? She never takes them off. That's right. Any photo you spot of Anna features the sunglasses, whether indoors or outdoors. Though some may criticize this fashion choice and call her a snob, I beg to differ. In fact, Anna may have a purpose when wearing those sunglasses indoors. In honour of her bold fashion choice, I've decided to create a list that might convince you that you're the crazy one. Let's countdown.

NUMBER 10

Camera Flash

This is probably the most obvious reason to wear sunglasses indoors. At Fashion Week, there are cameras and iPhones flashing left and right. How can you possibly make sure you don't blink every five seconds or go blind? Imagine getting photographed squinty eyed during Fashion Week. There is nothing more horrific than that, except maybe an unwarranted panty shot. Perhaps Anna just has sensitive eyes and she wants to make sure she looks good in all the photos by keeping them protected. Or maybe not. Either way, flash is obviously a greater danger to us than the sun.

NUMBER 9

Personal Drama

Often, personal drama is overlooked in the midst of Fashion Week because honestly, who cares what's going on in your life when there are beautiful designs parading the runways for a month? However, not everyone thinks that way. Some of us are sensitive at certain times of the month and thus, we are more susceptible to crying at the smallest trigger. For example, if Jeremy Scott decides to show McDonald's on the runway and we're struggling to maintain our diet, that may be rough on our emotions. Enter sunglasses. After all, tears and running mascara is definitely not camera worthy.

NUMBER 8

You'll Look Cooler

This may not sound like a "logical" reason per say, but in fashion speak, it is. Why do sunglasses make you look cooler than everyone else? Well, for one thing, nobody knows what you're thinking. The truth is in your eyes, so without that window to the soul, you're a mystery to all those around you. And who isn't intrigued by mystery? When your life is an open book (like Kim K's), people have nothing to work for. If you're an enigma, everyone wants to know what's underneath the sunglasses which makes you more desirable as a human being. It's common logic, really.

NUMBER 7

They're Just Another Accessory

If we can carry handbags indoors, why not sunglasses? Will all the shapes and sizes out there, how can we possibly reserve this accessory for the great outdoors? There is nothing more fun than a pair of whimsical sunglasses shaped like hearts or clouds. They are the ultimate conversation starter and a playful accessory to add to your outfit. They can spruce up a basic look, because let's face it, they aren't just there to protect your eyes from UV rays anymore, are they?

NUMBER 6

You Can Go Out Without Makeup

Perhaps Anna Wintour hates removing her makeup every night. Some of us are way too busy for such banalities. Sure, eye makeup can be fun with all the colours of the rainbow to choose from, but sometimes, we just want to go natural. I know what you're thinking. Why can't you go natural and bare it all to the crowd? Maybe you want to live on the edge and leave people wondering whether you put makeup on this morning. Am I wearing mascara? Am I not? Am I wearing underwear? Am I not? It's the same thing really.

NUMBER 5

They Will Hide Your Hangover Face

If you're living the wild life, you may have partied last night, but since you're that important and you MUST attend Fashion Week, your hangover eyes are UNACCEPTABLE. In reality, who needs to see them? Since the beginning of time, people have been covering their eyes to shield the hangover and it has become socially acceptable. In fact, sunglasses are an indicator that you're probably invited to parties all the time and even if you aren't, what's wrong with projecting that image every once in a while?

NUMBER 4

You Can Look At People Without Them Knowing

Who doesn't love to people watch? Sometimes we just want to observe our surroundings unnoticed. That is perfectly okay. You can stare as much as you want because nobody will know. This is not crazy, contrary to popular belief, but in the age of Facebook stalking, it's a common practice. The important people of the industry such as Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld need to be observant to further their careers. That's how you get inspired, isn't it? What writer doesn't eavesdrop on conversations to capture the reality of dialogue? Staring is just a necessary evil to developing your art.

NUMBER 3

You Can Avoid People Without Them Knowing

We all find ourselves stuck in situations where we don't want to talk to anyone. For example, pre-coffee, I refuse to make conversation. Unfortunately, some people might take it badly. Lucky for us, sunglasses are a great way to get rid of people. You may perceive me as a snob, but I just don't feel like talking because it's simply too early. Sunglasses are a better way out than the most delicately woven excuse.

NUMBER 2

You Can Sleep in Public

When life gets boring, you need a pair of sunglasses to doze off in any location you please. Anna Wintour has to watch an abundance of shows during Fashion Week and frankly, a woman like her gets bored and tired (like most of us). Sometimes we need to just take a quick power nap without anyone knowing. What better way to do so than behind a cool pair of shades?

NUMBER 1

For The Sake of Fashion

Because why not?

Convinced yet? This may be the cure to flash sensitivity and if it is, I'm signing that petition to bring this look to the masses.

XOXO,

Bella

#ForTheSakeofFashion: UNTUCKED

via myamethyst-shea.com

In the current social climate, the prefix "un" has attained a high level of popularity. Consider this list of words:

Unfiltered
Underpants
Unmotivated
Underachiever

My personal favourite? Untucked.

Take a look below at some AMAZING "untucked" outfits:

...

"Un", unlike the singular french article word "un" (which sounds similar) refers to something that is done in reverse. It is that backspace button we wish existed in our day-to-day lives. When speaking of "untucking", I like to call it the rejection of proper forms of dress in exchange for something a little more "undone". Pull out your shirt, but only halfway. A fully untucked shirt is UNflattering, while a half tucked one is #IWokeUpLikeThis cool. It says "I'm put together, but not enough to appear as though I'm trying to impress anyone". It's that laissez-faire quality we love in Parisian style and wish we could recreate. But alas, we're just not cool enough. Our only attempt is leaving our sweaters or button downs slightly undone to convey a nonchalant model-off-duty look. It's our key into the realm of fashion.

The half tuck is not practical, sirs and madams. It is an expression of rebellion. It is the product of many years of our parents telling us to tuck in that shirt on our way to grandma's house. It is, dare I say it, #ForTheSakeofFashion. Duh.

The half tuck is one of my favourite fashion trends because it can transform a professional look into one that is slightly more casual. It can take you from day-time to evening in a matter of buttons. That's a great deal if I ever heard one.

The half tuck can be sensual. It can also signal a walk of shame. When done properly, it can even be worn in PUBLIC. Some fashionistas are pro half-tuckers because after all, it is a skill. Jessica Alba, Leandra Medine, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are a few names that come to mind.

What do all these ladies have in common?

They ALWAYS look stylish.

So if you're looking for a fashion risk to take that isn't all that risky, try the half tuck. By tucking a section of your shirt into your bottoms, you can reinvent your wardrobe. I would know. I've tried it.

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

#FTSOF: Why Do You Tie Your Plaid Shirt Around Your Waist?

via www.stephaniesstyleblog.com

Back in the 90s, women rebelled against fashion norms and some would say it was one of the worst fashion decades of that century. It's also known as the "grunge" era. It was a time where combat boots were the shoe of choice (in summer, winter, fall, and spring), overalls were an option for full-grown adults, and bras were optional. Essentially, it encapsulated everything that fashion girls hate. Today, we bring back that former enemy and invite her to sit with us. The grunge craze began last year and took the fashion world by storm (and the storm has not yet subsided). As I scan the university hallways for grunge-inspired fashion, I can't help but notice the abundance of plaid.

It's fall. So, duh.

But, it's being worn around the waist.

When I was a pre-teen and my parents dressed me (lower those eyebrows, thanks), I tied my hoodie around my waist because it seemed like the practical thing to do when a room got hot. Where else are you going to put it if you don't want to carry it around all day? If you're a fashion girl, you probably wear it on your shoulders, a la Anna Wintour. You most likely don't even wear hoodies and plaid is not part of your vocabulary unless it's Mochino. However, if you align yourself with a grunge aesthetic, prepare to make knots with your flannel.

Now, I can't tell you why women began adopting this trend today because I don't even know why they did it in the 90s. Since it is associated with the grunge movement, I'm tempted to assume it was a form of rebellion.

You want me to wear this shirt properly? Well, I don't want to.

It was a conscious decision to do the opposite of what we were told and that included wearing our shirt wrong.

Fashion is all about exploring boundaries and breaking established rules of dress. One of those rules involves putting your arms in the sleeve holes. Who needs them?

If you're looking to try this trend, here are some tips:

1) IT HAS TO BE FLANNEL.
2) It looks best with ripped jeans.
3) Don't wear it to a job interview.
4) Don't over think it.
5) Do it For The Sake of Fashion.

Because why the hell not?

Ponder that,

xoxo,

Bella

#ForTheSakeofFashion Part V: Skirts Over Pants?

As the weather gets cooler, pants become a necessity. It's unavoidable. We had all summer to embrace maxi dresses, mini skirts, and rompers, but it's time to bid them farewell and cover up those legs. The good news is that you no longer have to shave every other day. The bad news is that it's cold outside. In response to the current climate and a desire to keep wearing skirts, bloggers and designers have introduced skirts over pants as a winter alternative. Whether they're trying to be avant-garde or simply couldn't pick just one bottom, we'll never know. We've all fantasized about trying it on those days when tights weren't enough to keep us warm. We've layered with socks, but even that has proven inefficient during Montreal winters. Some of us are guilty of wearing our skirts over pants and removing them upon arriving at our destination. But maybe we don't have to remove them anymore? Once upon a time, this was a complete fashion faux pas, but as usual, the fashion world makes us go "maybe?".

The first time I caught a glimpse of this look was on The Man Repeller aka Leandra Medine, my life icon and style mentor. In fact, I'm pretty sure she started the trend herself. After a while, she turned it into her thing by wearing it a number of times with a variety of outfits. At first, I was like "what?", but I discovered that it's an acquired taste and after seeing it a number of times on the blogger, my "what" turned into a "maybe" which transformed into a dare.

via underaveil.blogspot.com

Needless to say, I haven't tried it yet. When I saw it on the runway, I knew it wasn't just popular because Leandra decided to do it. After all, she's known for her outfit shenanigans that epitomize her blog name. When I saw it at Kenzo and Armani, it dawned on me that this is a real fashion trend. Forget opaque tights. Say goodbye to those leggings. Just keep your pants on.

Though this trend has not integrated itself to the streets of anywhere other than the fashion capitals of the world, I look forward to spotting someone wearing it in my city. As for me, you may find me donning this look at a street corner of Downtown Montreal or on Instagram. Just dare me and I might do it #ForTheSakeofFashion.

XOXO,

Bella

#ForTheSakeofFashion: The Transition Edition

Transition period is challenging for all of us. As summer becomes fall and the weather becomes as unpredictable as Justin Bieber's music career, getting dressed turns into a challenge. At this time, one begins to wonder whether boots are appropriate. When can I take out that leather jacket? When should I move my shorts to my bottom drawer? Knee high socks, a yay or a nay?

All of these questions parade through our minds during transition season, which is why we all need to ignore them. That's right. At the end of the day, it all comes down to experimentation. Maybe Mable doesn't want to wear boots just yet, but you're ready. That's totally fine. What's magical about this time of year is that you can wear something completely impractical and nobody can question it. It's the only time of year when a fur with sandals is acceptable (ish). When else would you wear a sweater with your mini skirt?

If you're still slightly confused as to what I am talking about, here are five examples of items that can be worn #forthesakeoffashion simply because it's transition season and anything goes.

NUMBER 1

Sweaters with Mini Skirts

As the mod movement begins to dominate the fall fashion scene, we're all dying to get those mini skirts on. Transition period is the perfect time to highlight those long legs with a mini and an adorable fluffy sweater to create proportions you never thought possible.

via alltheprettybirds.blogspot.com

NUMBER 2

Skirts With Booties

In the winter, no tights are not an option. Therefore, little booties always seem to be worn with them. Transition period is a time where we get to wear short skirts with little edgy boots. Are you ready for this?

via playwithfashion.net

NUMBER 3

Socks with Sandals

Back in the day, you thought this look would forever be reserved for middle-aged men. Today, it's the mark of a fashionista. You can't wear this in the winter, so embrace it while you can.

via Elle.com

NUMBER 4

Wool Hats

No, they don't cover your ears nor shield them from the horrifying winter wind, but they look damn cool. Big hats are back, so wear them now while your ears are still warm.

via ontheracks.com

NUMBER 5

Capes

I already spoke about capes in the first #forthesakeoffashion post, but they are entirely relevant once again. You won't be warm enough for this giant blanket in a few weeks, so now's the time to take advantage of this chic piece of clothing.

via cosmopolitan.com

So, there you have it. Wear it #forthesakeoffashion, because what other reason should you have?

Bella

#ForTheSakeOfFashion Part II

via The Satorialist

Last month, I introduced the concept of #forthesakeoffashion and have neglected to mention it since. Today, I revive the term through a fashion statement I decided to indulge in last week: wearing your cardi or jacket over the shoulders. Upon observing fashion week street style photos, I noticed that many of these ladies were not wearing their arms inside their sleeves. It was a phenomenon I struggled to understand and it started with fashion queen Anna Wintour herself.

Why didn't she just put her sleeves in?
Why are they even there?
Is it a blanket?

I couldn't quite fathom how women could just decide not to use a crucial element of this piece of clothing.

For some strange reason, I couldn't keep my eyes away from this trend. I noticed that it radiated "cool" vibes and there was no rhyme or reason. Of course, I had to try it myself.

I was wearing one of my favourite fluffy cardigans and suddenly, I felt a surge of heat rush through me. I decided to remove it to air myself out and consequently, I felt a slight chill. I subconsciously slipped the jacket over my shoulders and voila, I was wearing the trend without even being conscious of it. Though I could not wear my bag on my back any longer, I felt instantly cooler as I walked around campus. It also warmed my shoulders like a husky boyfriend.

Now, this may seem silly to the average person, but there was something thrilling about wearing it in the way it wasn't supposed to be worn purely #forthesakeoffashion. Maybe I'll get inspired to wear sunglasses indoors. Admittedly, I'm probably not ready for that leap just yet...

Have A Lovely Sunday!

Bella