Whip your closet into shape

VOGUE : Style Resolutions

 Great ideas, well dressed women share there fashion updates for Summer.... ENJOY

Sharing from Vogue.com

The History of Casual Wear

'Through the Looking Glass:Casual Wear

Each month, I want to help shed a little light on different trends throughout history. Since history always seems to repeat its self in the fashion world, I want to discuss both current and old trends. This month with inspiration from the "J Crew the man who dressed America"

I wanted to touch on the history of casual wear.

The ever so comfortable, wearable staples in everyone closet, the cotton T-shirt and Denim Jean. The relationship between these to items is one that goes all the way back to the early 1950's. It was in the 50's that a rebellious youth culture emerged in cities across America. The young people, as young people are today, were pushing and working to differentiate themselves from older crowds and the ever uncool parent. With rebellion in mind, the youth flocked to the more casual t-shirt and jeans, which at that point had only been seen in new racy rebel movies. In the 50's, the US first started to idolize the Brando's and Dean's of cinema, as well as the Presley's of rock n roll. These iconic figures helped shape the new found rebel teen, and for the first time teens and young adults began to wear the then garb of the "lower working class" or as we like to call it the T-shirt and Jean.

This was the birth of casual wear as we know it today within the main stream. Fashion denim and cotton T's became hot department store purchases, and were selling out everywhere. From this point on these two pieces would remain closet staples, updating and evolving through trends and times.

Today, the denim jean and T-shirt are not only everyday wear, but people of all ages have derived their own style from these two pieces. These days we dress it up or down, and wear them in the house, to the store or on the town.

This has been the first installment of Through the Looking Glass: A history of Fashion. Remember "You can not know where your going and you do not know where you have been." Know your culture J.Cultura

Pick your wardrobe like a designer

Just watched the very best interview of TOM FORD. I love him, and it is refreshing to hear the simplicity of his work. The Interview which aired on OWN, follows Tom through a few week period leading up to a small viewing. In the interview he talks a lot about the art of being fashion forward in his designs. He said the best way to follow and predict trends is to be aware of your surroundings and to live, daily observation is key in fashion. While it is great to be a trend setter, the reality is most brilliant ideas come from observations we see in passing. Maybe you saw a beautiful fun woman walk by and she was wearing something so cute, maybe you take that look and reinvent it to fit you. Maybe you duplicate fab looks in a magazine you read. Whatever the case, women are observers. What Tom brings into designing is the same out look we should take into our daily wardrobes. I say "think like a designer"... 

Use the world around you to pair and put together looks within your own wardrobe that you love, and know look great on you.

The best place to start when thinking about what to buy for the season ahead, is to get out into the world and see where the fashion is headed... read up magazines to check for looks you love, up to date magazines insure looks are trendy and in for the season at hand. Rip out clips of fashion you like and things you may want to duplicate, take the magazine clippings with you on your trip to the mall. These clippings are quick references while you shop, and help to give your trip to the mall a little focus. Happy shopping

Thanks Tom Ford xoxo....

Be sure to check out his video it is wonderful if you have about 45 minutes on your hands.

Whip your closet into shape

I read a great article in www.instyle.com "Whip your wardrobe into shape." The article was beautifully insightful on how to get your closet ready for the season to come. The first step is seeing what you got. Purge and Organize Form three piles, I like to call them Old love, New Love and No Love. These piles will help sort your clothes into things you love and have had for a while, things you love that are new to your wardrobe and of course things your over. When looking through your wardrobe, try to gather your looks. Decide what goes with what...this will give you an idea of what you need and what you already have.  *Most stylist prepair most of their outfits within their closet. Arrangement is key to forming great looks and knowing exactly what you have. Section off your closet whether by lifestyle, day to night, work to play, however you would like. Step 2: Evaluate In order to prepare you closet for the season, locate your top ten key pieces, If you are like me and can not decide check magazines and boutiques to give your self some inspiration. After selecting your top ten... try to build your wardrobe around those ten pieces. Make sure these 10 are unique, fashion forward and in season. Pay close attention to the shape, color and cohesiveness of these pieces make sure they fit you and your season style. PAIRING-- when pairing your looks together, remember to find each key piece two are three buddies to party and pair with. This will give you look versatile. Look at what you have, what jeans/tops/blouses/shoes/jewelry, by creating these pre made looks you will see what you have already, and know what you need. Step 3: SHOP... After going through you closet and seeing what you already own, you have a better idea of what you need. Get a clear picture of what need to shop for, which will help you focus while you shop. Your focus should be pieces that coordinate well. Do you research to assess trends and get inspired by looks you love.  Big money should only be spent on classics, and pieces you will have and wear season to season or at least year to year. *Jeans/ Heels/Handbags* For trendier pieces try to find a good deal especially if it is a short term trend. For these trends 1 or 2 pieces are all you need to invest in. Also try to pick one super unique fun piece that can spice up any outfit, for this I would look to jewelry selections. (Big junky jewelry). **Also double check the calendar for any future events you have coming up--prepare.

This will guide you through the craziness of season wardrobes, but do not forget to have fun with it. This is your wardrobe and you should give yourself the options you love, and will LOVE TO WEAR. Enjoy

It is who you are---Be apart of the culture J.Cultura!Instyle