Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Black Friday...


     The best thing about this week is not just the wonderful traditions and future memories that you will create with your loved ones, but also the biggest shopping day of the year. I have so much to buy for so many people, but I also like to set money aside to take advantage of some of the apparel sales and if you are like me, then you are being bombarded with pre Black Friday as well as approaching Black Friday Clothing Deals.  So many clothing stores want your money and are offering the best prices that if I were to act on every impulse to every beautiful picture of a flowing garment or comfy yet stylish layering piece, I would be horribly broke!
   The best advice is before you make any purchases, make a budget for yourself because one slouchy beanie here another infinity scarf there can add up very quickly and suddenly, you have nothing left to spend on all of the other big year end purchases. After you have your budget, pick out your favorite "wish list" items and figure out what pieces will take your wardrobe up another notch. While narrowing down your apparel options, consider if they are trend items or clothing that has a sustainable long term appeal. For instance, the gloves I bought three years ago are still something I'm proud to wear today, but the "Pedro offers you his protection" shirt I bought in high school isn't a shirt you would see me wearing today. Trend items are wonderful to have, but you don't want to invest too heavily in these. Then, research the sales both online and in store. Look to see if the clothing that you are interested in would be of quality or is a piece just made for a short shelf life(sometimes a bargain price still isn't worth the dollars).  Now that you have a budget and your wish list, go get your shop on!

Remember to follow me on Twitter @GildaRedfashion
As always, Let your Fashionista Flag Fly!

Monday, November 24, 2014

First preview for 2016

 
The most amazing thing about what I am seeing for 2016 is color. Vibrant shades that will make you feel as if spring and summer have draped you in it's most breath taking shades. Neons will not play as big of a part as it has, but instead richer pallets. It will definitely be something to look forward to.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Have you tried this

     So, I was seriously considering going blonde last week. It's always been something I wanted to give a shot and I felt like this would be a good time. I would've if I didn't try In Style's Hollywood Virtual makeover. Luckily- I plugged my picture into the program, sorted through numerous  celebrity hairstyles(and you are able to change the color, add highlights, etc.)and presto- Blonde isn't my color... Black on the other hand was much more favorable for me.  So- give it a try!

Look at a gift from a friend!

Season 1
I can't even say thank you enough to my friend for their craftiness- and I'm super excited to display these!

Season 38
 

Monday, November 17, 2014

Love this item

    

     If you are not a watcher of QVC, then you are really missing out! Isaac Mizrahi has a 100% Cashmere Infinity Scarf that is absolutely stunning.  If you are unfamiliar with QVC, the TSV is THE item that the network features all day at  the beginning of every hour and today is all about Isaac! You can check it out below, but it is a must see on TV as well, because part of watching on TV, is seeing Isaac show you a million and one ways to wear the scarf an also he usually makes small tweaks to the models' ensembles that will make you want to figure out how to incorporate all of his style ideas into your wardrobe immediately.  So please, click the link below:
http://www.qvc.com/Isaac-Mizrahi-Live%21-2-Ply-Cashmere-Basketweave-Infinity-Scarf.product.A255931.html?cm_re=null&sc=TSV&cm_sp=null&UDC=TSV&MSG=TSV_FORCE

Thursday, November 13, 2014

This Kentucky Girl Gets it

   I just read an article about Jennifer Lawrence that hit home.  Growing up in Kentucky(about an hour and a half from Louisville, where Jennifer Lawrence's stomping grounds were), my Grandmother would take us every Saturday to yard sales. For a good chunk of my adolescence, I wore clothes from multiple eras and built a unique look from garments once treasured by another. If you'd like to read the article for yourself, you'll find it below:

http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2014/11/11/jennifer-lawrence-tomboy-style-hunger-games/

Remember to follow me on Twitter @GildaRedfashion

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Don't waste....

     I believe, as a society, we are really losing the art of mending, altering, and creating garments. There was a time when if you wore it, you probably made it. Today, even though I love clothes from the store and I love shopping, sometimes it is a bummer when you are someone's Twinkie all day at work or at a get together. So.. here's some reasons you should be inspired to pick up that needle and thread...
    There's nothing like patching up a piece of clothing to make you appreciate the fact you have it.  For instance. I have a brand new floral kimono that accidentally made it into the dryer. The fringe on the bottom became matted and wasn't able to be saved. After removing the seams, it turns out that there was a bottom layer of stitching and it looks like a beautiful brand new piece of clothing- a little different, but still gorgeous! If I had just tossed it, I would've wasted the money and been a beautiful kimono short.
 
    Also, if you love to be unique, there's nothing more wonderful than using a pattern or making something up that is totally your own. The first skirt that I made myself was for work. When I wore it in I was filled with pride every time someone commented or asked me where I purchased it. "Sorry, peeps-this is my own creation and it's the only one like it."
      So, if you don't own a sewing kit, go invest in one today and if you've never sewn before, my recommendation is to get a scrap piece of clothing and just practice. Before you know it you will be mending and creating your own custom wardrobe.
Remember to follow me on Twitter @GildaRedfashion
As always, Let your Fashionista Flag Fly!

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Tuesday Fashion

WetSeal Oversized Sweater, JustFab boots, and Denimocracy Jeggings. Also, I have a coconut oil treatment on my hair(as I will for the next two weeks) since I am prepping for a color change.
 
 
 
Remember to follow me on Twitter @GildaRedfashion
As always, Let your Fashionista Flag Fly!

Monday, November 3, 2014

Monday Fashion=Simplistic Fall Fashion

Nine West Shoes, Wet Seal Jeggings, Margaritaville Long Sleeve Tee, Macy's Scarf



+Margaritaville +Macy's +Wet Seal +Nine West 
Remember to follow me on Twitter @GildaRedfashion
As always, Let your Fashionista Flag Fly!
 

Live from New York...


     The only thing that rivals my love of fashion, New York,  and writing would be my life long love of Saturday Night Live.  To give you a little glimpse into my life long love- here are a couple of fun facts about my life filled with SNL: Many of my earliest memories involved watching old VHS tapes that my mom had of greats like Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, frequent guest host Steve Martin, and so many other amazing cast members.  As a matter of fact, when I was in Kindergarden and all of the other girls were Belle from Beauty and the Beast, I went as Connie the Conehead. It was epic to say the least.  The second I was old enough to start playing the August lottery for tickets, you better bet I was all over it and although I have not had the opportunity to see a live taping or a dress rehearsal, it is my DREAM! Really, to be honest, the way I can go on about an episode on Sunday morning, many of my friends have suggested I start an SNL blog, which I have heavily considered. I have never been able to pick a favorite cast member; each season  is filled with talented individuals and it isn't an accident that they make it onto the show at all.
     With Season 40 underway it made me think about how everyone claims their generation's cast was the best. Really I think because of the talent of Lorne Michaels, every season is amazing(even the transition years)- and a talent that only SNL has successfully harnessed is if you revisit episodes from the past, you can tell exactly what America and even the world was enduring in that period of time.   
    So, what does this have to do with fashion, you ask? Saks Fifth Avenue has teamed up with Saturday Night Live and created a trendy collection inspired by many great SNL characters over the decades. Mary Katherine Gallagher, Gilly, the Fabulous Gilda Radner's The Nerds character- they are all represented. One of my favorite pieces that they are offering is of course, the Eugenia Kim Marley SNL Ribbed Wool Beanie. As you can tell from the picture below, there are elements of  the Coneheads characters, but it is still an item that can be an everyday article of clothing.
 
     There are several articles of clothing that are able to be wardrobe staples and represent 40 seasons of pure talent, amazing memories, and comedy that pushes boundaries and moves mountains.  The link is below, so make sure to check it out and tune in every Saturday night.
Remember to follow me on Twitter @GildaRedfashion
As always, Let your Fashionista Flag Fly!
 
     

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Pardon me

     Please Pardon my absence these past couple of weeks. I have been working on so much for 2016- trend boards, power points, blank choices, and colors of the year for our collection.  It can be very time consuming, but if you love your career, then the time spent is pure bliss.  Just like with everything else, I am a bit of a perfectionist, so making sure our 2016 and my part in it were as flawless as possible, I had to put my complete self into it. BUT I really missed  discussing fashion with all of you! So, here we are. I have so much to talk to you about and I can't wait to catch up with you this week.

Monday, October 20, 2014

This One's for Dad...

 
  10 years ago to the day, I felt as if the world was so much bigger than I ever imagined and I was completely unprotected by the elements for the first time. The reason being is that the world's strongest man, my Dad, passed away.  He seemed to be able to do everything and taught me so much about the world and business( I was very blessed to say that my mom and dad are very smart and business savvy).  It was very unexpected, one minute my dad is running a country music business and a farm and the next minute he's trying his best to fight back from the after math of a heart attack. It took me a long time to find the bright side in this, but today I thought I would share this with you(in the fashion arena).
    My Dad was a cowboy with a sense of style. He was responsible for causing quite a few country music stars and song writers to accelerate to fame and he did this by a syndicated radio show and by inviting record companies to watch potential talents perform every Friday and Saturday. Before the shows he would spend a good deal of time getting ready. I can remember he had a customized wall rack for his cowboy hats-24 total- all different colors, patterns, and for every occasion. Of course he had ones he favored, like his classic black(in the above picture). Also, his cowboy neckties, I feel like he had a million designs and everyone gave him different belt buckles as gifts so there was quite a few designs including one from Hee Haw when they invited him to the show. 
    I never once saw him in a traditional suit. His version of dressing up was his nicest pair of Wrangler jeans, cowboy boots(which when I went into our laundry room where each pair filed so perfectly into line, I felt as if his choices were endless), and a beautifully pressed blazer.
     I remember a million and one things about him and I thought I would share this with you. He was a man of class and as he gave his final moment's glance in the mirror as he whistled, I always felt proud. He worked for everything in life and it showed every second and his last pause in the mirror always reminds me of this. The thing with these anniversaries as the years increase is that you feel a sense of pride and luck to have known someone so special in this world and now, you know a little about him too.


 Remember to follow me on Twitter @GildaRedfashion
As always, Let your Fashionista Flag Fly!
 

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Head to Toe


     The thing about having guests over to your house for a casual get together, is that you want everything to look like you are the most put together person in the world, BUT that you didn't just overly try to make it seem that way. This doesn't just apply to your house, but also to your wardrobe.  When I know that company will be coming over to my house, I don't want to wear jogging pants, but also it's not really appropriate to wear my Vera Wang dresses either(even though I wish I could wear these every second of my day). So instead I go with casual attire that's tied together with either an accessory or small article of clothing that raises the look to another level. My recent go to item for this look to be off the charts has been my pair of Odd Sox.
     They specialize in fashion socks, which if I may say is something that many of us are missing out on. My first pair, the Fries design pictured above, I found to be not only comfortable, but a very nice quality. By this I mean when you slide the fabric over your foot, they aren't the type of sock to feel as if they would wear out quickly. There's also an artistry behind it. When I had a couple of my friends over recently, they were a hit. They were drawn to the design and because most of their styles display a graphic that carries from one foot to the other, it's a conversation starter.
    After owning these for about a month and a half, there's no signs of wearing out to the fabric and the design is still looking fresh. I'm actually looking at getting a second pair-probably the Bombshell design, since I'm a Marilyn Monroe fan.
     Even if you aren't into the trend, make sure to check these guys out. The designs themselves are really detailed, striking, and beautifully thought out- and if you dare, add a pair to your collection...  http://oddsoxofficial.com/collections/all 
 
 Remember to follow me on Twitter @GildaRedfashion
As always, Let your Fashionista Flag Fly!
 

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

You could frame this...

 
 
  

December 2011 in NYC (Kind of looks like Reagan)
     Roughly three years ago, I finally convinced my Mom to go to NYC.  I had been and I knew one of the first places we had to go... A must stop for anyone who is visiting NYC and loves to shop is the Macy's next to the Empire State Building. Imagine twelve floors of shop ability-each floor broken down by section and each with it's own restaurant/eating area. As we stood in the store surrounded by what felt like every thing ever sold and everyone in existence, I noticed a brilliant pop of color to my right- I had to investigate.

It almost feels like a museum
     This was my introduction to Marc Tetro. The art is stunning. Let's just begin there. Everything feels like happiness and it isn't over worked with colors. It's simplistic, yet says everything it needs to in it's simplicity.  In the display in New York there's so many items that include landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, but also adorable puppies(and so many breeds are represented). The collection offers canvas prints, key chains, pop outs, and fashion accessories like Totes, Make Up bags, and umbrellas. Marc Tetro's line drew me in and made me a long time fan because there's something about having a fashion piece that is so carefree and colorful in this time of year when summer is over, the colors begin to fade away, and sometimes we even let our wardrobes carry the same muted color tone in Fall and Winter. Not only do the accessories stand out and add a much needed pop of color, but every time I wear one of my Marc Tetro Totes, I get a million compliments which is an instantaneous pick up.

Please meet Boo, Sonny, and Reagan- my puppies

 


     Just looking at these pictures makes me feel instant happiness (and it makes me realize that I need to get a few more pieces).  Take a look at some of the pieces offered online for yourself  if you can't make it to NYC in the near future: http://www.marctetrostore.com/mm5/merchant.mvc? or follow Marc Tetro on Twitter https://twitter.com/marctetro .


One of my make up bags

 Remember to follow me on Twitter @GildaRedfashion
As always, Let your Fashionista Flag Fly! 

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Special: Sometimes Irony knocks


     Sometimes, the story held within an article of clothing can be very painful. The ironic thing is that I bought this tee because of how much I love the Night at the Roxbury sketches on SNL and how it always brought a smile to my face. On Sunday, I found out that my niece, Lo and nephew Jaxy will be moving 6 hours away. My sister and her family have lived with me for the past three years and of course that means all of Jaxy's life and most of Lo's. I know if you are a reader of my blog or of my Twitter account, you are aware how close I am to these sweet little miracles.  I will miss their beautiful faces greeting me every day and watching as they light up at every new adventure. They have taught me to appreciate the little things and celebrate every moment- I mean there are millions of things we see as so ordinary that is nothing but brilliance and greatly appreciated by children.This will not be easy for me(my heart feels broken right now), but it is another story to add to my life-another thing that will force me to become stronger. Beauty and light is always at the end of a trial, my friends. Normal post will come tomorrow.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Falling Hard

 

    This is one of my favorite times of year. Fall begins to awaken. The Earth itself starts to switch the Pantone colors it operates by. Oranges, Reds, Browns begin fade into the picture and with these color and weather changes, we get the privilege of breathing life back into our closet by bringing our Fall wardrobe out of hibernation. The amazing moment is when you pull out last year's style and realize there are some holes that need to be filled with trends or basically-you see a reason to shop!

     Before you get too crazy, let's all face it, most of us have a budget. My suggestion is to look through magazines, catalogs, and walk through your favorite shops. This is an easy way to find out what's widely trending for the season but it will also allow you to get inspired. While doing your research keep in mind the key pieces you are searching for to complete your Fall Style(you unfortunately can't spend money twice and this is your goal).
     One of my favorite things is to look into designers that you have never had the opportunity to wear before. This year, I plan on doing just this with Duvin Design (@DuvinDesign). I had the privilege to come across this brand at Surf Expo this year and their fabric choices coupled with the way the garments drape is spectacular. The new line(coming out November 1st) has a very West Coast ease that seems to flow very easily from the brand as a whole. Looking into my Fall Closet my headwear is very out of date and unfortunately two of my best sweaters were ruined last year so I have already come to the conclusion that one of the beanies at the right along with a cream sweater over at the left(you can't see it, but I liked it so much I remember its location) will be mine soon and don't worry, I plan on posting pictures. When you do this as well, you are more likely to put a unique stamp on yourself as many people shop from the same big name locations and trust me it feels good to occasionally venture out of the overall save "box store" zone.
(From the Duvin Design blog).
 
 
 Most Importantly, enjoy the search and walk into it knowing that the perfectly stitched garment is just waiting for you to sport throughout Fall and possibly into the winter and you are going to find it!
 
 Remember to follow me on Twitter @GildaRedfashion
As always, Let your Fashionista Flag Fly! 
 
     
  
 

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Throwback Thursday!

In honor of New York City since today's 9/11, I thought today's Throwback Thursday would just be my very first trip to NYC and the classic I Love NY pullover hoodie. The second picture is of Loalee's first trip to New York. Sending prayers to all that were lost or touched by these events 13 years ago.
 
 
 

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Today's Trends Volume 1

 
     This trend-I can't even explain how excited I am about embracing.  If you were anything like me in high school, I dreamed of playing sports, but my awkwardness could just not translate into being the All American sportster. Why did I want to be so athletically involved you ask? Not because I had a competitive urge to win or anything crazy like that. I wanted a Varsity Jacket. In high school the kids with the Varsity Jackets paraded through the halls displaying their athletic achievements. As their feet pounded the school highways, it seemed as if a theme song blasted that everyone could hear. Their steps acted as the base that set the melody of the school day and it just cemented their amazingness. One of those kids, was never me. Bummer, right?
     So, here we are in 2014 and I can live my old school dreams. This trend is not you traditional Varsity Jacket either. With many clothing lines putting their spin on the Varsity Jacket, you can definitely find a look that caters to your personal style. For instance, both of the pictures featuring the Varsity Jacket are just from the September 2014 Nylon Guys Magazine. Many other magazines this month are also displaying completely different takes on this jacket. The best thing for you is that this can be completely wearable and affordable and it just might be my favorite fall trend.
 
        
 
Remember to follow me on Twitter @GildaRedfashion (also shout out to @Anabel_Atkinson , my fellow blogger who looks fabulous in the picture above).
As always, Let your Fashionista Flag Fly!

Thursday, September 4, 2014

His Name is...

     I will admit, since this show started back when I was in high school, I don't think I have missed an episode. The way the cast along with their paired partners begin and end a journey we all witness on the dance floor and in training is exquisite and many times emotional. Of course, I am talking about Dancing with the Stars.  Every person tends to have a favorite celebrity or even partner- I love them all, but my favorite to watch is Mark Ballas. First of all, let me say that I believe he is completely under rated. Every time that he and his seasonal partner begin their routine, I am always excited to see the choreography that is in store and I know that if it is so brilliant on television, it has to be ridiculous in person. So, what does this have to do with Fashion you ask? After watching every season, one of my very favorite things is to see the costumes that Mark and his partner wear weekly.
      Every costume created for the show is absolutely stunning, but while some tend to play it safe, every look Mark wears is daring, innovative, and seamlessly helps create the vision that Mark has in mind for us to see.  It would be very easy for him to where a very basic ensemble, but instead he allows his partners to step onto the floor feeling a character that they are intended to create. When all the right moves are hit along with what can only be described as stitched brilliance, it is like witnessing Houdini perform one of his greatest tricks or even like watching water glide down a glass- smooth and not skipping a beat.  My personal favorite was from Season 12 with Chelsea Kane- their Jive to "I write Sins not Tragedies". It seemed to not only capture his flare and brilliance, but also the costuming is ridiculous and shows his fearlessness towards taking fashion risks(The link for the dance is below the picture) and by the way, I still feel like it deserves all 10's.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVhMY0TOVAE (2:07 is where the dance begins, but hey, if you've got the time, watch the whole thing).
 
     Even if you are not the biggest into watching reality television, I suggest you take a look at the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars and consider that these costumes are not only going through the conception period but are also completely developed within that one week period.  It is stunning and magical every week when you really think about how long a garment can usually take to develop, sample, and move to your finished product. In closing, please feel free to follow me on Twitter @GildaRedFashion and also as always, Let Your Fashionista Flag Fly!
 
(Make sure to vote for Mark and his new partner, Sadie Robertson on the upcoming season of DWTS and I almost forgot, check out his music too!) 



Monday, September 1, 2014

When I wake up in the Mornin...

 
     Last Saturday, my sister and I decided to sit down for some bonding time and we seriously burned a hole in my Netflix account. Not with several shows or movies, but with just one(numerous episodes of course).  Saved By the Bell, still one of the best shows to ever grace the airwaves, and at the time it originally aired, it also had it's hold on fashion worn across America(I can say this is for certain since one of the strangest sights is seeing west coast fashion spring up into Kentucky).  In the 90's when this show was so big, I wasn't even in school yet, but my neighbor, Tiffany was a preteen and probably the coolest kid ever, as far as I was concerned. She was in a sense babysitting me, but I thought we were just two cool kids hanging out.  We would sit at her house and soak up every second that the sensational six appeared on the screen, engraining their lessons and looks into my brain. She even had the Board Game where you could win a date with Slater, Screech, or Zack-I would always cheat and end up with Zack(finally I have a clean conscience). 
    How does this relate back to today?  While watching episode after episode, I noticed that some of their styles are making their way back to mainstream fashion again. High waisted jeans and floral prints- so happy, colorful and fresh to this day and automatically transport you to the warm summer breeze of Cali. Not to mention crop tops- these hit hard last year, but really at this time of year when in some locations, the heat wave is still blazing on, how can you beat it? Also, this fall, we are expected to see the revamped varsity style jackets making quite a splash.
 
     The next time you watch SBTB, take a look at the amazing ensembles that the entire cast wear. The garments are preppy, fun, and the stamp of their generation.  They were able to conquer high school, touring as a music group(Zack Attack), and the world and have each distinct character displayed within each stitch. So, if you were a fan, or if you've never watched before, take a look back at this amazing show and tell me what you think! Also, feel free to follow me on twitter @gildaredfashion . As always, let your fashionista flag fly, my friends!

    
     

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Who are you?

     If you woke up today and someone asked you to describe the person you are, do you think you could successfully do this? Take this question and apply it to your style—at this moment, could you hammer down where your fashion loyalties lye so to speak?  I know personally for me, this was a hard question to answer for years as I operated in chameleon mode adapting to whatever setting I was placed in as if to be a part of the masses surrounding me.  If the groups surrounding me were an ocean, I became a drop of unnoticeable water.
      In Kentucky, the trend was blue jeans and simplistic tees, polos, natural (or at least appearing to be natural) hair colors, and toned down make up pallets. Guess what I wore—exactly this. I was afraid to be anything that made me unique. There was so many styles I wanted to venture out and try, but my fear of being different overwhelmed me and I didn't go for any  trends outside of my local surroundings. What if people judged me? What if I became an outcast?  The fears lied deep inside and placed a lock upon my creativity. The many pallets of color, textures that were waiting for me set there untapped.

 
     Right after high school I moved to the beach. Of course, county clothes are an unspoken language on the beach and so I adapted yet again. Did I make my own music, no. I followed the pace that had already been set. All of a sudden, I had Black hair, swim suits, board shorts, and was fake bakin'.  I even tried tanning beds and for a naturally fair complected person it led to nothing but burned skin and a couple of years later, biopsies at the dermatologist(which were luckily in my favor, but the fear of waiting was pretty painful in itself). No one could see me as I was disguised as just another person you pass. 
 
 
 
     After some time, I moved to the City.  The wonderful part about this is that being in a city, you are surrounded by a gumbo of different styles, fashions, and unique individuals.  Everyone is so different, no two drums played the same beat. Seeing all of these wonderful individuals made me think, was the person that I am in the fashion world represented in my closet? When I walked outside of my home, would people feel who I am, or would they get a carbon copy of someone else. After some time, my closet has developed my unique finger print.  I no longer play it safe and you are often to see a different picture painted every time you see me. One day, I might be wearing a vintage full skirt and pearls, then leather jeggings and stilettos, and after that there's a possibility of a pencil skirt and nude colored blouse the next day. I have discovered that my style is very vintage/eclectic.
     So, take this time to contemplate. Are you true to your inner style? If you see an approaching trend you're attracted to- like heavily jeweled tops or jeweled tone leather will you walk off the plank and dive into your adventurous self? Will you play it safe and be one of many? Do yourself a favor and be everything you can be! I can't wait to see what you do, when you are being everything you always wanted to be! In closing, feel free to follow me on twitter( @gildaredfashion ) and remember, Let your Fashionista Flag Fly!

 

     


Friday, August 15, 2014

The art of Twin-ing


     Siblings--when you're a child(if you are as lucky as I was) you were close to your Genetic Buddies.  My sister, Kristy and I are still close. We finish each other's(somewhere at this very moment she just said sentences).  There are many solid differences between the both of us in several ways. She's very outspoken and I'm more reserved, Kristy has a family and is a stay at home mom(her dream growing up) while I am trying to conquer all of my dreams for my career and I will worry about building my own family when it's the right time.  These blinding differences to our personalities have always been there, but for some reason, everyone always thought since we were sisters, we were exactly the same- this also applies to fashion(luckily my mom would let me wear most things I wanted to unless it was a family photo event or a holiday).
     There's a significant gap in my sister and I's age and that didn't phase family members from getting the both of us matching outfits that were really more appropriate for her age group. This isn't even the worst of it. I have pictures where we are styled in  matching overalls, turtlenecks, and scrunchie hair dos.  If you aren't seeing the trend, overalls for small children in the country(at least at this moment in time) were the equivalent of taking family pictures in white shirts and khakis. We were the equivalent of walking pop tarts.
 
    My point in this is that sometimes, siblings aren't involved in their fashion choices because the surrounding grown ups want to make them as adorable as possible. Would I go back and change it if I could-absolutely not. When I see my Mom or Granny look at these pictures I can feel their heart radiating such love and remembrance of days gone by. Their eyes being to swell and I know that dressing up in a Tweetie Bird Overall set was worth it a million times over. Sometimes, fashion moments that you wear belong to others whether it is for a family photo, a wedding, or because you have siblings- and this is okay. Just enjoy the memories you create.  Please feel free to share your sibling stories and pictures in the comments section or follow me on Twitter at @GildaRedFashion and as always Let Your Fashionista Flag Fly!
     

Thursday, August 7, 2014

This one's for Loalee

 
     Three and a half years ago, I first laid eyes on my beautiful niece, Loalee as she took her first breath in this world. So much time has passed since then and although I have had the privilege to teach her so many things in this world, I have probably learned more from her including in fashion. Every time she sees a new piece of clothing there's no pre existing judgment behind its history.  No thoughts of "is this article of clothing currently in or out of style". She makes it her own with no fear of how others will perceive her. Loalee is free to paint with every color pallet, wear white after Labor Day, and she never regrets whatever look she assembles.
     Even though it is so much fun rotating out wardrobes and following the next big trend, it is also just as much fun to feel the thrill of being unique and coloring outside the lines of fashion. Mix patterns, textured fabrics, colors that usually don't mesh well together.... take risks! Feel as if a child does in the sense of appreciating all unique styles of fashion and not typecasting an article of clothing.  Here's a piece of homework for you: Tonight, walk into your closet and don't think of the way you usually wear your go to pieces. Let go of any clothing stereotypes and feel the fabric beneath your fingers. Begin to build a style that has never graced your frame before. Think outside the box and wear it proudly, just for you and don't consider how anyone else perceives it. Just enjoy this fashion moment for yourself. 
     My beautiful niece(and her little brother) are the best things to ever happen to me for many reasons. Loalee has taught me how to look through child's eyes at so many garments I have had for years as if I were witnessing the detailed stitching, woven patterns, hem lines, etc. for the very first time. In closing-Loalee, sweetie, this one is for you my little lady and to everyone else: Let you Fashionista Flag Fly!

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Preserve=Life

     Everyday we make the choice to follow the same dotted line that we have consistently followed or veer off the path into something possibly rewarding and completely fulfilling. To some the idea of taking said risk is frightening and dangerous, but to others who have taken the chance before, they know the feel of capturing the great dreams they were chasing after with every muscle in their body. As your fingers collapse and tighten around that moment in time, there's nothing better.
     Blake Lively could've played it safe for the rest of her life. She is already a well accomplished actress, sought after by fashion designers for her brilliant style, and she does this all with a well placed head on her shoulders.  So, when she announced Preserve, I was pretty surprised by this initiative in a completely different direction.
  If you haven't visited preserve.us it has a little bit of everything from recipes to the gorgeous Greater Good Section. With every click, you will gather that Preserve.us has a real sense of community captured in every link. I won't go into detail-why should I ruin the feast for the eyes that waits you, but I will talk to you about the fashion piece.
     Within this site, you will find a couple of different fashion moments scattered throughout. The Shop window features many different types of items for sale and you will find garments peppered throughout(you do have the ability to break the shop page down by category as well). Surprise here-not just  Ladies clothing-menswear is available on here too(get ready to buy something stylish for the gentlemen in your life).  All items feel vey American Classic to me, flowy, well thought out, and most importantly beautiful.  My favorite piece I have to mention is the Pleated Skirt(which is a coming soon item). It's a very easily transformed piece that can go from nautical to feminine/floral very easily.  If the money's in the bank when this comes in, I might have to add it to my ever growing collection!
 
     You will also want to make a stop at the style articles.  Each story feels well thought out, smart, and the best part is that there's a link to shop the looks pictured. So as you are reading, get ready to dream yourself into each garment.  http://preserve.us/blog/style/backwoods-barbie/
 
   Really, it would have been very simple for Blake Lively to live out her life not going for this opportunity that you can clearly seen she is passionate about, but she did it with flying colors and I commend her. I know as one Fashionista to the next that it is very challenging to air your thoughts out as if they were your laundry hanging to dry, but it's the most beautiful thing inviting your new friends that dare to take a moment out of their day to read a piece of your heart.  I look forward to our next moment together and until then my friends, Let you Fashionista Flag Fly!