My Newfound Crop Top Addiction

After a one-month hiatus, I think it's time we engage in conversation again, shall we? Let's discuss one of my favourite summer trends this season (and the one before that and the one before that): crop tops. When this look resurfaced, I was a little on the fence. A deep V is one thing, but my midriff is something I never thought I'd be showing off anywhere but at the beach. Every season, I've tried wearing this look in a variety of ways. First, as a lover of high-waisted pants, I paired it with those and found it immensely practical and appealing. Subsequently, I went for the high-waisted skirt, while showing the least amount of midriff possible. Ultimately, I gave in by offering a slight peak at my midriff without bordering on vulgar.

via teenvogue.com

I've found that with every trend, it takes a few tries to get it right and make it feel like you. Whether a pair of oversized slides or a wide-brim hat, some things are always going to make a statement (especially in a conservative fashion environment), but if you own it, it'll just become a part of you.

That, my friends, is what happened to me and the crop top. After much deliberation, I've left a space for them in my closet (right before my regular sized tops) and they have become my friend. I now possess a full selection in a variety of neutrals and before long, I will have a few colours to add to the mix. Today, it's all I can buy and I can't seem to rework my regular tops.

As a petite person, a crop top is often more flattering than the regular kind. It elongates my torso and looks cute to boot. My recommendation is to slowly ease into it, especially if you're a little on the shorter side. If a reluctant person like myself can warm up to it, so can you. You may be surprised at how good it makes you feel.

Ponder it,

Bella

The Spring Colour Challenge

via laddiez.com

March is officially here and that means we can finally count down the days until spring (March 20th, people). Yes, it's still snowing outside and the weather remains below zero, but hope has swept into town in the form of spring collections at retailers across the globe. You know what that means? It's time for some serious spring cleaning. As we shop for the latest fashions at our favourite boutiques, we can say goodbye to some of our beloved oversized sweaters because frankly, we've worn you in too much this year dears. Personally, I have already begun sifting through my closet and to my utter horror, I have noticed a serious absence of colour. Though many of us have a tendency to buy black, white, and beige in bulk (guilty as charged), we must resist our attraction to muted tones because if there's anything we need this spring to revive our spirits, it's colour.

Generally, wardrobe building begins with a wide selection of neutrals. We start with our basic must-haves: the white blouse, a pair of black stilettos, basic blue jeans, a black pencil skirt, an LBD, an LWD, and a black leather jacket. Once these items have been purchased, we can take our creativity on a ride by popping in a bit of colour or even a print.

Since this blog is all about encouraging the average shopper to be bolder, my challenge to you is to ignore those neutrals when you hit the shops and opt for something a little more colourful this season. Yes, everything matches with black and it's the easiest choice, but if you want to be a true fashion girl and join the ranks of the Olivia Palermos and Alexa Chungs of this world, you have to take the road less traveled. Train your eyes to catch sight of bright yellow (perhaps it'll make the sun come faster), emerald green (maybe the grass will grow sooner), and fuchsia (flowers?). Even if you aren't ready to leap into prints, colour is another great way to spice up that wardrobe.

It's been a long and dark winter and we could all use something uplifting to get us through the next couple of months. So next time you walk into a store, select that blouse in a bright pink instead of white or that skirt in red instead of black. After all, colours have been proven to affect our mood and we can all use a little more yellow in our lives.

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

The 5 and 5 Challenge: Finals, A Mid-20s Crisis, and My Closet

via www.somecard.com

The end of term is rapidly approaching, my graduation is impending, and the snow has arrived, signalling the emergence of a mid-20s crisis. Of course, my natural reaction is to contemplate existential questions, like who am I? What am I doing here? What will I do next? How will I face the winter? As I think about the answers to these questions, I remind myself how I came to figure out who I was in the first place (before I entered college): Fashion. To the average mind, this realization may appear superficial, unfounded, and banal. How can fashion resolve our existential crisis? The truth is that it can't. It can facilitate the road to self-discovery. It can help us find out a little more about our deeply ingrained characteristics. But can it get us through the brutal stages of emerging adulthood? Probably not.

However, there is one aspect of fashion allows us to reinvent ourselves as we embark upon a new life stage. It is no coincidence that when we finish high school, we're inclined to cut our hair shorter and adopt a more mature look to suit the persona we hope to embody as we exit adolescence. We want to change a physical aspect of our appearance to match our internal state of change and renewal. Once again, we're faced with this powerful desire to reinvent ourselves. What better way than to clean out our closets? Now, I'm not telling you to stop your studying and start your cleansing just yet. But when you are ready, I invite you to join me on in a cleansing challenge.

Part of what my blog stands for is staying real, avoiding trends, and dressing in a way that feels like you. In a previous blog post, I spoke about shopping mistakes and now is the time to eliminate them from your closet. Here is the challenge:

Look into your closet and select the 5 items that your love most. Think long and hard about what makes them special to you. What do you love most about these pieces? Do you wear them more than any other? Are they associated with a special memory? Do they make you feel more attractive? Were they a splurge? Now, once you've selected your pieces, think of 5 ways these items make you feel like your best and more genuine self.

Though this may sound like a very simple challenge, it may actually help you learn a little bit more about the current you in the process. Over the course of this week, with my birthday approaching, I've decided to list one item per day that makes me feel real and the five reasons I chose it.

FIRST ITEM: My Rachel Zoe black 'Elliot' booties

Reasons I love them:
1) The block heel ensures comfort and style (I can spend hours in these beauties and barely feel any pain)
2) They make me feel tall and glamorous (like Rachel Zoe, essentially)
3) They make every outfit look instantly better (jeans, dresses, overalls, you name it)
4) They're multi-seasonal.
5) They're the perfect mix between feminine and edgy that defines every fibre of my being.

If you'd like, please join me and stay tuned every day for a new item. You don't have to publicize it, but try it as an activity and you might feel a little better about the unwritten future ahead of you.

Happy Monday!

XOXO,

Bella

Some Things Were Only Cool When You Were 12

I'll probably wear this again. One day. Eventually. I'll just keep it.

Tell me that thought hasn't crossed your mind and I'll know you're lying. We all sift through our closet every once in a while only to discover those items we can't seem to part with. You know you haven't worn it since high school, but you worry an occasion might come up and you'll have given it up to the Salvation Army (not that that's a bad thing). If your closet is as tiny as mine, it's probably taking up space you'll need for future items or making you look like you have a lot of clothing when in fact, you don't wear most of it anymore. When trying to justify your purchases, this does not bode well. 

Remember when hoodies were cool?
via justjared

So how do you know when to let go? Here are some rules to guide you through these decisions.

1) Has it been more than 5 years since you've worn it? If the answer is yes, it's time to let go.

2) Is it torn, transparent, or stained with yellow? Get rid of it, please.

3) Is it in your "I don't wear this often drawer"? Probably best to give it away.

4) Is it something you'd be too embarrassed to wear in public? SAY GOODBYE.

Currently, I'm 22 and I'm embarrassed to say that there are certain things I've had since I was 12 that somehow remain in my closet. 

This just won't cut it anymore...
via fanbuff.com

A logo t-shirt that I once thought was hilarious featuring a hot dog and a cupcake.

A pair of loose fitting jeans (eek).

A hoodie with either the words "I Love New York" or my high school logo.

My first pair of Converse.

T-shirts with names of places I've visited (keep those in the drawer).

Do they have sentimental value? Probably not. But, what if I decide to wear them one day? 

So every time you hesitate about giving something away, remember why you're so hesitant. Follow the five year rule. After all, clothing is just material and if it has no sentimental value or you bought it at Forever 21, you won't miss it much.

Love,

Bella

Let's Go Back to Basics

Thoughts that cross my mind when I'm staring into the endless abyss I call a closet:

1) I have nothing to wear (cliche of the day)!
2) This doesn't go with ANYTHING I own.
3) Boring. Boring. Boring.
4) Too flashy for this event.
5) How long has it been since I even wore this?
6) Why does it look like I have so many clothes when I don't?
7) I need to go shopping!
8) I don't own enough pairs of pants.
9) Oh, this old thing? No.
10) I'm dizzy

Admittedly, I have a lot of thoughts that spring into my fashion-overwhelmed mind. Sometimes, I think that I will forever be doomed to reside in a realm of constant desire and satisfaction will never be achieved. Why is my closet so full and yet I have nothing? The fact is that there are way too many items I don't wear often and not enough BASICS. Basics are the keynote to every successful wardrobe. We need them like we need water. They are the fuel to our shopaholic engine. Without the basics, how can we adequately layer? What do you do with a bunch of layering pieces and no basics to layer over? Absolutely nothing.

Unfortunately, basics are the most difficult to buy because we are often drawn through love at first sight to the striking items in a store. "Oooohhh that cobalt blazer has to be mine!" and "I need those tribal printed pants NOW" are thoughts that resonate in our minds on our shopping excursions and NOT "I want that plain white-tee" or "Necessities are such a thrill". No. We don't crave necessities. We just need them. We need to invest in them even though we'd rather save our money on something special.

The bright side is that once you have them, it's for life and they will transform your wardrobe. No more: "what will match with this?" because with your basics, you'll always find that perfect match.

So here are the basic items you NEED (if you don't have them already). They may appear boring at first glance but they are revolutionary and integral to the layering game. Once they're yours, you can go on a shopping binge of impractical items like furry sandals and sleeveless jackets.

via Polyvore

1) A PLAIN WHITE TEE (a black)
- You need this to layer your brand new tuxedo vest or your military jacket. You also need to put it under all your colourful blazers. Having both colours will facilitate every outfit decision that you make, and if you'd rather not invest, you can probably find them for 10$ at Forever 21.

2) BLUE JEANS (and black)
- A classic pair of jeans is a staple. Obviously. No matter what you're feeling, jeans will always be just right. If you're not in the mood to get fancy, but you have to? Put on those jeans and grab any crazy top from your closet. They match EVERYTHING. It's magical.

3) BLACK PUMPS
- Now, I know what you're thinking. I never go out. At least not to a place that requires pumps. What for? Well, one day you'll be happy you bought these beauties because though they may hide in the back of your closet, when your friend gets married and you need something to wear with your bright red dress, those black pumps will be very enticing.

4) LEGGINGS
- Even if you don't go to the gym, you need leggings. They solve all your sick day problems with the utmost comfort and the least possible effort. They are NOT PANTS, but they will look super cute with that oversized sweater you just bought at H&M.

5) WHITE BLOUSE
- Whether a job interview or simple a night out with your girls, a white blouse is that "I don't even need to think" choice that you can just slip on with a pencil skirt or pants. It should just be in your wardrobe in case you need it, like your reliable childhood friend.

6) AN LBD
- If you aren't familiar with this acronym, we have a serious problem. An LBD, otherwise known as the Little Black Dress, is a must. When you have an semi-fancy affair to attend and no budget for it, this LBD lying in your closet is an easy solution. Keep it there and you won't regret it.

7) A PENCIL SKIRT
- Family events and job interviews generally call for pencil skirts. I'd go for black first for that standard look, but you might love what it does to your body so much that you'll get another colour or dare I say, a print.

8) BALLET FLATS
- I hate flats. They're the most unflattering shoe on the planet. HOWEVER, you need them. Sometimes we need to treat our feet and allow them to heal from our heels. Purchase a pair of ultra comfortable flats that happen to be chic and you win at wardrobes.

9) TANK TOPS (1 Black, 1 White)
- Everything today is transparent. So, here's the key: TANK TOPS. You need to wear them under your blouses OR on their own at the gym. Either way, they need a place in that wardrobe to ensure that classiness is upheld.

10) FINALLY: A BLAZER
- It's just something you might want to have for that impending job interview I keep talking about. It also amps up EVERY look. I swear.

HONOURABLE MENTION: A leather jacket (you don't need this, but you kind of do. It adds coolness factor to everything. Take note.

That's only ten items! It's time to make a budget, ladies, and get the boring stuff out of the way. Once you do, you may still wonder what to wear, but there will always be a solution.

Bella

A Landslide of Shoes

Good Morning Snow Angels!

Let's talk about shoes (and don't pretend those words didn't make little bits of confetti sprinkle inside your body). Allow me to state the obvious: winter has arrived full throttle and we're all knee deep in snow. At least I am. Unfortunately, that implies that it's time to take out my Sorels and disregard my fashion instincts for a moment (or 5 months). There is nothing less chic than a pair of chunky winter boots covered in shit-coloured slush (pardon my French). Some of us choose to ignore the snow and wear our leather boots anyway. Prepare yourselves because I'm going to be blunt. This is a terrible decision. Do you really want to ruin your 400$ Michael Kors riding boots? I didn't think so. The only thing less chic than Sorels is a pair of washed out, salt-stained leather knee-high boots. If you want your precious boots to remain intact, my little bit of advice is to stick to those Sorels.

Living in Canada, we are all accustomed to the heavy snowfalls contrasted by humid summer days (what is this "summer" you speak of?), which is why we have a closet full of shoes (amongst other reasons). Realistically speaking, you need those Sorels to endure the snowstorms. You also need a pair of knee high boots with a stiletto heel for a night on the town in the Fall. Don't forget that flat pair reserved for boxing week (you don't want to tire yourself out, do you?). And, let's face it, booties are ESSENTIAL to your fall wardrobe whether with a heel or without (though one of each is preferable). Oh, and let's not forget that you MUST own a pair of sneaker wedges if you know anything about Fall fashion trends. You also need a pair of convenient gym sneakers for those treks on the treadmill (especially after you promised yourself you would start going to the gym in the new year). You can't possibly live without that adorable pair of flats to pair with just about EVERYTHING in your wardrobe. For a fancy sortie, who doesn't require a pair of classic pumps to accentuate that gorgeous new peplum dress. When pedicure season comes around, a pair of wedge sandals are CRUCIAL to your survival. However, you also need a pair of flip flops for those lazy days. Sandals are a MUST for your summer vacation because frankly, who wants to wear heels in Cuba when we're all feeling a little light headed from all that alcohol?

Now, I'm not very good at math, but if I calculated correctly that adds up to...12 PAIRS. And those are just the black ones. Once you've accumulated enough black pairs, you can immerse yourself into the world of colours and nudes until your closet becomes an endless abyss of shoes and some pairs get consumed in a dark hole, only to surface once a year upon spring cleaning. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?

It seems as though 12 pairs of shoes is the bare minimum. SAY WHAT? Now, I'm going to go out on a limb and ask the question that's circling around in all of our minds right now: are we all just spoiled? Is this a curse placed upon women to promote consumerism? Do we even NEED all these pairs? Has the 21st century created a new need by exploiting a woman's love for shoes? Are we victims of marketing tactics or guilty of adhering to an unfortunate stereotype? Raise your hand if you own more than 20 pairs. I urge you to dive into your closet, grab a pen and paper, and get counting.

Happy Friday!

Bella