Monday Inspiration...Oxblood

Happy Monday, kittens! Things have been extremely busy for me lately - I just haven't had time for blogging. Sorry for the lack of posts!

One of my favorite colors that I've been seeing for the fall is oxblood. It was fairly popular last year as well. Deep burgundy is just such a flattering color on almost anyone and in any part of your outfit. I love wearing it as a lipstick, but it could easily be a great sweater, purse, or accessory color as well!

Let's channel some color inspiration today, shall we?

Can you go wrong with brogues and big floppy bag in this gorgeous deep hue? I will be snagging anything oxblood colored that I can get my hands on!

Check out my set on Polyvore for more information on the items pictured:

http://www.polyvore.com/inspired_oxblood/set?id=138641531

Enjoy your day <3

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Fan Friday...Chanel

Happy Friday, everyone!

I've had a few favorite brands since I was younger, and Chanel has always been one of them. There's just something about the pieces that they offer that makes the clothing both fresh and timeless. Karl Lagerfeld and his recent revival of the brand has really cemented Chanel's permanent place in fashion history.

Coco Chanel started Chanel as a brand in 1909, and was extremely successful in using jersey in her clothing to make womenswear a bit more sport focused and less dressy. Obviously, her list of accolades is long: Chanel No. 5, sealing the permanence of the "little black dress" in our wardrobes, as well as those delicious wool suits. Karl Lagerfeld, as current head designer, has definitely heightened the brand. He is extremely forward thinking but grounded - he continues to take Chanel's past and channel it towards the future. I'm so excited to see even more from one of my favorite brands.

Here are some of my favorite looks by Chanel, as well as some moments from the runway.

Coco Chanel, wearing a signature Chanel suit and pearls. My costume history teacher always said that Chanel was her own best model, and I agree!

Some gorgeous early pieces from Chanel - quilting was very important to the brand!

Classic and timeless Chanel woolen suits

Karl Lagerfeld and his Chanel army

Karl Lagerfeld's genius mind at work - The Chanel Supermarket!!!

Enjoy your Friday and weekend, kittens! <3

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Amazing Grace...

Happy Tuesday everyone! I'm going to keep this post short and sweet. One of the most amazing inspirations for me is Grace Coddington and her work at Vogue. To think that she started off as a model and now has become timeless in her stylist and creative director work. She's the ultimate role model for working your way to the top of the ladder!

Here are some of my favorite shoots of hers. She is so conceptual and her beautiful scenes are going to live forever.

Enjoy your Tuesday <3

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Why Can't I Look Like...Solange

Happy Wednesday everybody! Since I am back to regular blogging now, it's time to revive our usual series where we look at an inspirational lady and take some fashion notes from her. Today, I'm talking about Solange!

Solange is a seriously talented singer....oh, and I guess she has a pretty well-known family too. She is very bold and vibrant, in both her fashion and beauty looks. Her hair is usually big and fabulous, and her clothing makes her stand out. Even though it's the fall time, we can still rock these bright looks. Let's take a look at some pictures of her and dissect what makes her style so special.

With Solange, a lot of the drama and excitement comes from her hair. Whether it is a small afro or a large mass of curls, her hair is always perfection. With hair that's so prominent, her makeup is minimal - except for a pop of color on the lips!

Solange is NOT afraid of bold prints. Even this allover print looks chic on her - it's all about proportions and the cut. 

Solange isn't afraid to mix prints. This look is balanced and colorful, as well as fun. Mixing it up makes your look casual and chic...and will probably have all your friends begging you to style them.

When working with bright colors, make sure the shapes are long and lean. Solange looks like a FIERCE popsicle here! The long coat and dress and the perfect way to balance the bright hues.

Finally, menswear! Solange loves to wear blazers and looser fitting pants. Sexy doesn't have to mean tight clothing! This look is powerful. Pairing a tailored blazer with the trousers in bold neutrals = perfection.

Now that we've seen the staples of Solange's style, here are a few pieces to help us channel her fierceness:

Solange's Essentials:

Boxy trousers

Trim blazer in a solid color

Bright colors

Patterns in separates

Bold lipstick

Mixing prints together

Solid dresses in bright hues

Large sunglasses

Like anything pictured in this collage? Here's the set on Polyvore:

http://www.polyvore.com/why_cant_look_like...solange/set?id=136886622

Enjoy your Wednesday, kittens <3

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Sunday Inspiration...Long Coats

Happy Sunday everyone! One of the biggest trends for Spring '15 is long coats - it seemed as if they were on every single runway! As a recent college graduate, I can't exactly afford something that walked down the Marni runway (or any runway essentially). However, a girl can dream! I made a set of some fabulous coats that can inspire us while we're out thrifting or looking in department stores!

The big inspiration: pastels and neutral colors, along with graphic prints. These coats will be wearable at any time and will also become a staple in your wardrobe!

The set contains coats by Margiela and other high end designers, as well as a few that are much more reasonable. Here's the link on Polyvore if you'd like to check it out in more detail:

http://www.polyvore.com/long_coat_inspiration/set?id=136460885

Enjoy your day off, kittens (and GO EAGLES!!)

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Why Can't I Look Like...Kate Middleton

It's the ultimate dream: girl grows up fairly normally in an upper middle class family, goes to university, meets a prince and marries him, and becomes the wife of the King of England. Sounds like a fairytale, but nope - it's just the life of the beautiful Catherine Middleton, also known as Kate or the Duchess of Cambridge. There's a lot of pressure on Kate to look a certain way, because she is part of the royal family. Although she usually looks very modest and demure, she has definitely taken royal fashion to a new level. She is even extending her fashionable style to her son (AKA the cutest child to ever be born), Prince George. She sports ensembles from lesser-known labels and designers from the countries she is visiting. Anything that she wears immediately flies off of the shelves: she has already become a total style icon.

Although we don't usually see Kate dressed-down, she has given us a few looks for every day inspiration! It is especially great to channel her now that we are moving from summer into fall or for some work attire ideas.

Casual royals: Boat neck striped tee, skinny dark pants, and flats are still proper when being laid back.

Printed button up with a cardigan and dark jeans - great for shopping!

Navy blazer with a button-up shirt, skinnies, and wedges are a great option for dressy casual.

To help us channel our own inner princesses, here is a set for some style inspiration:

Kate's Essentials:
Simple button-up shirt
Blazer in a neutral color (navy blue or black)
Cream colored cardigan (matches everything!)
Dark skinny jeans
Simple diamond stud earrings
Neutral ballerina flats
Tan peep-toe wedges
Curling wand to get that fabulous hair!

Like the items pictured? Here's the set on Polyvore...(you can follow me on there too!):

http://www.polyvore.com/why_cant_look_like...kate_middleton/set?id=133917977

Happy Wednesday, royal kittens! <3

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Sunday Inspiration...Black and White Menswear

I love the idea of playing with an item worn by men and making it softer, more tailored, and feminine. Menswear-inspired clothing has really been taking off! It's so beautiful to me, especially in black and white. I thought I would make a set inspired by these items so that we can incorporate them into our every day wardrobe. Boss women of the world, unite!

Menswear-inspired black and white basics:

Horn-rimmed glasses

Black trousers

Men's watch (black, tan, silver, gold)

Tailored jumpsuit (LOVE this tuxedo-inspired one!)

Pinstripe crew socks

Black oxfords or brogues

Striped or checkered button-down shirt

Like any of the items in this set? Here is link for product information (and you can follow me on Polyvore too!):

http://www.polyvore.com/menswear-inspired_black_white/set?id=133430582

Happy Sunday, kittens! <3

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Saturday Round Up...8/30/14

Today is Saturday! Thank goodness for the weekend - especially a long one provided by the beautiful Labor Day.

Here are a list of some of my favorite news, articles, and pictures from this week:

http://www.refinery29.com/2014/08/73592/hello-kitty-sanrio-cat
My mom has been calling her Hello Miss Kitty for years by accident - I guess she was more right than I thought!!

http://www.dailydot.com/technology/date-rape-sensor-nail-polish/
This is a great article discussing the good and bad of Undercover Colors, a nail polish that may show date rape drugs in drinks.

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-28951981
Probably the silliest thing I saw on the Internet all week - and it's real. If only I lived in Russia!

http://www.rookiemag.com/2014/08/follow-the-leader/
Rookie is the greatest website on the WWW - period. Anything that they write is gold. Need some fashion inspiration? Get it from these fabulous cult leaders who were anything but shy (channeling my inner Tammy Faye this weekend for sure).

http://www.visualnews.com/2014/08/27/gigantic-carpet-brussels-made-750000-begonias/
My aunt is a fabulous crafter - she also blogs and does a lot of design research! She sent me this link and I was completely blown away by the amazing detail and skill it takes to make these floral carpets. Gorgeous!

http://www.manrepeller.com/2014/08/the-rules-to-life.html
Man Repeller is excellent - check out this piece on 10 rules to modern life.

http://www.refinery29.com/lipstick-art#slide
Lipstick...ART? You have got to see these amazing photos! I can't even begin to imagine the steady hands this woman has to have.

Happy Saturday, kittens <3 <3

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Your Thursday Confidence Boost From...Coco Chanel

Thursdays can be rough - it's STILL not Friday and there's a lot to get done. I've dedicated Thursday on Fashion Maeven to being a healthy dose of quotes and images from people who inspire me!

Our words of wisdom today are coming from the legendary Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, also known as Coco. She was ambitious, driven, and determined to make her business work. She helped liberate women from the corseted looks that had been prevalent for hundreds of years. Her iconic clothing line and perfume are still the epitome of elegance today. Tweed suits and jersey are a wardrobe staple because of her. She also cemented the permanence of the little black dress into fashion culture forever. This woman really KNEW what was up.

If you're feeling a little down today, here are some of Coco's inspirational words to help you feel a little more chic and fabulous. Embrace your inner diva!!

"I don't care what you think about me. I don't think about you at all.” 

“Success is most often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable.” 

‘A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.’

Happy Thursday kittens <3

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Why Can't I Look Like...Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne is one of the most popular models at the moment (see the cover of Vogue's September issue). Not only is she extremely versatile, she is stunning in such an unconventional way. She's young with killer bone structure and obviously, some serious eyebrows. Thank god she's bringing the brow game up!

You may think to yourself: I wish that I could look like a model. HEY GIRL, you're already flawless - channel your inner Cara every day. Here's some inspiration for her outward style and appearance:

Those brows. You don't need much makeup with a gorgeous natural face like this!

Beanie, drainpipes, boots, and a casual t-shirt and jacket. EASY menswear-inspired outfit!

Oversized tee and skinnies with a rocker vibe of big hair and a leather jacket.

Here are some pieces that I think would stop a street-style photographer:

CARA'S ESSENTIALS:
VERY tight skinnies - destroyed, khaki, whatever your preference is!
Some kind of menswear jacket - leather or denim, preferably.
Combat boots
Beanie (silly sayings are a plus)
Oversized band or logo tee
Brow powder/filler and brushes - fill those brows in, let them grow, and keep them in check! When brows are your main attraction, keep everything else on the eye neutral and go for a bold lip.


Like the items pictured? Here's the set on Polyvore (you can follow me on there too!):

http://www.polyvore.com/cara_delevingne/set?id=132570107

Happy Wednesday kittens! <3

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Emmy Fashions 2014...

Good morning everyone! Did you happen to catch some of the Emmys last night? I usually never watch an entire awards show, but overall I thought it was a great night! Of course, Breaking Bad and Modern Family stole the show (although J was rooting for True Detective & we both love OITNB).

I thought that the fashion of the night was pretty well done. There are always some hits and misses. I especially loved the prominence of women in white and red. Here are some of my favorite looks (coincidentally, there are repeat designers in here too - a few really knocked it out of the park!).

Laverne Cox in Marc Bouwer

Sarah Hyland in Christian Siriano

Uzo Aduba in Christian Siriano

Taylor Schilling in Zuhair Murad

Camila Alves in Zuhair Murad

Who had your favorite look of  the night? Comment and let me know! 

<3

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Sunday Inspiration...Indigo

Hues between blue and purple are so calming and really stunning to wear. Indigo can basically be worn all year long (think of it as a basic like denim). I threw together a little set of outfit inspiration for your these days where summer is turning into fall!

All of the product information for this set can be found here:

http://www.polyvore.com/dreaming_in_indigo/set?id=132788984

Happy Sunday dolls! <3

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Are You Red-y For Me?

Redheads are always getting dissed. Carrot top, too many freckles - sounds pretty unique to me! Being a redhead is rare these days, because people just want to be blonde or brunette so they won't get teased.

Don't do it girls - WORK that red!

Here are two pictures of my favorite redhead (unnaturally though). Evan Rachel Wood is a stunner with any hue on her head, but when she was a ginger babe, she really had me. I'm actually thinking of turning my overdyed blonde towards a strawberry/light red to match hers (I think it's time for a change!).

What are your thoughts on red hair? Who is your favorite redhead? 

Enjoy your Saturday off, kittens! <3

PS - The title of this article is a little reference to RuPaul's Drag Race. Watch the bit here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVWx5R2C38A

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Your Thursday Confidence Boost from...RuPaul

RuPaul is a goddess to me. She is so inspiring! I've read both of her books, and I am a huge RuPaul's Drag Race fan. Being able to look at yourself as a canvas and having the ability to recreate yourself every day is amazing to me. Drag queens have such confidence and personality - I try to take inspiration from them daily!

RuPaul is an extremely smart person, and I think that some of her wisdom can boost our confidence on a dreary old Thursday.

WARNING: The images below involve sickening beauty and truth from the baddest queen in the world!

“Look at me -- a big old black man under all of this makeup, and if I can look beautiful, so can you.”

“When you become the image of your own imagination, it's the most powerful thing you could ever do.”

"Learn to love yourself, 'cause if you can't love yourself, how the hell you gonna love somebody else?"

Have a great day everyone! <3

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Why Can't I Look Like...Audrey Horne

I'm starting a new series on women that I find powerful and gorgeous - with serious style that I can take beauty and outfit inspiration from!

The first woman I want to highlight is the absolutely stunning Audrey Horne (played by Sherilyn Fenn) in the show Twin Peaks. When I watched the series, I was enthralled with Audrey's beauty and all-around fierceness. She did whatever she wanted and didn't care about the consequences. Dark and wavy hair, perfectly arched brows, a killer pout: who could resist?

Here are some images to give some style inspiration:

Short curls, red lips, and a plunging neckline - PERFECTION

Sweater with a high-waisted skirt = foolproof for day and night. 

Schoolgirl chic! Plaid and saddles are adorable and still sexy.

Here are some pieces that I think would make a damn fine outfit, inspired by Miss Horne:

AUDREY'S ESSENTIALS:

A neutral cropped sweater
High-waisted knee-length plaid skirt
Red lipstick (choose wisely with your skin tone!)
A cool updated saddle shoe
Red kitten heel
Plunging gown for nights out (I chose red, but any color works!)

Like the clothing pictured in collage? Here's the set on Polyvore (you can follow me on there too!):

http://www.polyvore.com/audrey_horne/set?id=132565492

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Inspiration Boards...

I absolutely love making inspiration boards! They are so much fun. Here are some of my older ones - maybe they will inspire you!

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