Black on Black on Disney

Confession: I have an obsession with black. My hair is black, my eyeliner is black and I have bought about five black dresses in the past two months. It just can't be beat, especially in the fall and winter months. My favorite part of wearing black is throwing in a pop of color just to save myself from looking like an emo kid circa 2006. Keep reading to see how this model and I put together an outfit to show how to balance between the chic class of black and the fun pop of pink.

Red, White, Blue is in the Sky

The idea of “theme dressing” for holidays is one that can cause many arguments between fashion lovers. Some say it is tacky. Some say it is fun. However, everyone can agree on one idea: if the holiday’s colors are bright, there is a great chance of creating one big, flashy eyesore.  

The Fourth of July is one of the easiest holidays to make this mistake with. It seems simple: just grab anything red, white, and blue and throw them together.  Easy, right?

Unfortunately, this combination can go horribly wrong if taken too far. There is a very thin line between looking classy and patriotic and looking like the American flag threw up on you.

Of course, the simplest way to celebrate through fashion is to find a shirt with an American flag on it, put on a pair of denim cut-offs and go. American flag shirts are sold almost anywhere you find clothes; Target, the thrift store, any store in the mall. You will have no problem finding the shirt you need.

But if you want your outfit to be a little more of a challenge, there are many different ways to go. Whether you need an outfit for a dressier event, like a date or party or you just need something to wear to eat barbecue and shoot off fireworks in the backyard, the key is the same: proportioning the colors correctly.

Red and blue are two very loud colors, so using too much of both can cause a big mess. Though I love color, I believe in the saying “less is more”. So, for me, the best idea is to use white to your advantage. Mix it with one of the other colors and use the last color for subtle accessories. Whether casual or a little dressier, the rule of white is one that I will be living by when picking my outfit for July 4^th.

One of the summer’s biggest trends is the American flag denim shorts.  This trend has exploded recently in light of the upcoming holiday. These shorts can be found everywhere, such as Target, Charlotte Russe and Forever21. Pairing a high-waist pair of these shorts with a simple plain white crop top gives you a casual, yet patriotic look.  I personally love neutral colored shoes, so I would wear brown strappy sandals. Add blue or red earrings for a little more pop and you are good to go.

If you do not want to be restricted by the three colors of the American flag, black is another color that can be used to stay subtle. Mixing a flowy plain black tank top with American Flag shorts and blue and red accessories also makes for a cute, casual outfit. If you want a little more color, a pair of red or blue converses are a fun addition.

If you prefer to look a little sassier, try a flowy red high-low skirt. Wear it with a strapless white top tucked in and add a black belt around the waist. Simple black sandals are a smart choice for shoes. Blue earrings or a necklace will work to keep with the theme.

My favorite idea for a dressier outfit is a white sundress with blue accessories. Try a strapless sundress with a chunky blue necklace and bracelet paired with neutral colored wedges or gladiator sandals. For a pop of red, be bold and try a bright red lipstick. It will give you a vintage American royalty look.   

So pick your outfit and have fun celebrating America’s birthday. Eat well, enjoy company, watch the fireworks, and if do choose to wear white, be careful around the barbecue sauce. 

I'm Your National Anthem by bnmartin featuring by malene birger

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene..

(Note: I have been in Italy for the past two weeks for a study abroad program. I was going to take a hiatus from blogging while I'm here, but I just can't do it. So occasionally, I'll make blog posts about my trip, tips for anyone studying abroad or just visiting Italy, etc. I will sometimes include fashion posts, but for the rest of June, until I'm home again, I will be posting about my time here. Hope you enjoy!)

“Romeo and Juliet” has been named one of the most romantic, iconic stories of all time…and also the most cliché.  Many who read the play, including myself, have been subjected by our cynicism to think those who find the play romantic are absolutely crazy. What’s romantic about a 13 and 15-year-old meeting, declaring love, and dying within three days time? Something just doesn’t add up there.

Despite it all, the hopeless romantic in me could not resist a trip to Verona, where “Romeo and Juliet” is set. I visited to see the opening night performance of the opera “Aida” in the Verona Arena. I knew nothing about the opera and I have never seen one before, but if a chance to see one on opening night in Italy pops up…well that’s just something you don’t skip. Though I loved the opera, I will admit I was more impressed by the city of Verona itself.

 

 What a beautiful city it is. With its arena (the third biggest in the world), lovely river, and lack of tourists and street venders compared to bigger cities like Florence and Rome, Verona has a quiet spirit to it.

      Now of course if you go to Verona and do not visit the supposed homes of Romeo and Juliet, you have not done the city justice. Romeo’s house is private as people do live there, so you can only see the outside. However, Juliet’s House is probably the biggest tourist attraction in Verona. Tucked into the shopping strip, one turns and sees a small alleyway with walls full of graffiti, telling of couples and their love for each other. Then you walk through into the courtyard, which is the busiest. To the left there is the famed “Club di Guiliette” and a gift shop. To the right, there are plaques giving the history of the house. At the back, one sees a gate filled with locks. The locks are put there by couples celebrating their love. Next to the gate is the famous statue of Juliet. The idea is that if you rub her right breast, you will receive good luck in finding love. Many people crowd the statue waiting for their turn to get a picture. Overlooking the courtyard is the iconic balcony where the “Wherefore art though Romeo” scene of the play takes place. For a price, one can venture into the house and go stand on the balcony.

If you have seen the movie “Letters to Juliet”, you know about the tradition of writing letters to Juliet and getting them answered. Well, that is a real thing. All around the walls, one can see pieces of gum. The gum is from people writing letters to Juliet with questions and confessions of love. This tradition has been going on for decades. The Juliet Club takes the letters and writes back to each one. Of course, I wrote a letter myself. Recently, there has been a law placed saying that people can no longer stick the letters to the wall because it defaces the property. However there is an envelope stuck to a door where one can put a letter.

     So even if romance is not your thing and you don’t think you can stand the cliché love for the famed William Shakespeare play, Verona is a must for anyone who travels to Italy. The city oozes romance and history and has a peaceful atmosphere to it. I cannot wait to return. 

If you would like to send Juliet a letter, you can! Check our their website, http://www.julietclub.com/en/, for information on how to mail a letter. 

Teen Vogue Handbook - Must Have for Fashion Industry Dreamers

If you have ever wanted to enter the fashion industry, you probably have been told many times that it is more than just drawing pretty clothes or styling celebrities or living a glamorous life in New York. But if you are like me and really have no idea how to get into the industry, this book is a must have. It gives one all types of testimonials and advice from some of the most influential people in the industry, such as Marc Jacobs, Anna Wintour, and Karl Lagerfeld.

The book is split into six sections - designers, editors, stylists, models, beauty, and photography. Each section provides personal journeys and tips on how to get your foot in the door of what area of fashion you want to work in. Each section also comes with "Tool Kits" for each section, including an important one - Intern Tool Kit. 

It gives you tips on how to get an internship, how to make a resume, and how to make an impression during your internship. At the end of the book, there is a list of fashion schools and a glossary of basic fashion terms every aspiring designer, editor, etc should know. So if you want to be a designer, fashion journalist, blogger, or you haven't narrowed down your choice, I definitely suggest you pick up this book. With passion and the right information, you can make it in the industry and follow your dream.

 Teen Vogue Handbook should be available at bookstores like Barnes & Noble or you can find it on amazon. 

What type of fashion career do you think would be best for you?