darling in dots
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mix it up: tips for how to mix & match prints

3/30/2017

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As you may or may not have already noticed, I love prints. I don't think I ever intentionally set out to create outfits that involved print mixing, but it inevitably happened because almost everything I own is printed. I sometimes don't even realize how many prints I am wearing, but there have been times where someone has stopped me on the street to ask how I put together my outfit, and I have to look down to remember what I am even wearing. Although mixing and matching prints is second nature to me, since I have gotten questions about how I pull it off, I decided to analyze my thought process and write a blog post about it. Here are some tips: 

Stick To One Color Palette:
This is the number one rule when it comes to print mixing. Some of my favorite color combos to mix prints with are black and white (and sometimes adding a pop of color) or red, white and blue, like the outfit I am wearing in this post.

Mix Scales:
You don't want to wear all large or small scale prints at once, so it's best to mix it up. 

Mix Structured Prints With Organic Prints:
I try to avoid wearing prints that are all linear (such as stripes and plaids together) or all circular (such as polka dots and conversational prints). Instead, I aim to get a good mix of both structured and organic prints. This outfit is a perfect example, as both my top and skirt are more organic shapes with the polka dots and flower motifs, so then I added the plaid sneakers to balance out the look.

Pay Attention To Color:

I may be hyper aware of this because I am a fashion designer, and analyzing color is part of my job. But, when I am putting outfits together I make sure I am wearing pieces that have the same color tone. For example, there are hundreds of shades of red, some are cooler, with a blue undertone, others are warmer and look more orange. When mixing prints in the same colors, I make sure the tones of each print match.

Add a "Neutral" Print:
If you're hesitant about print mixing, start by adding a classic leopard print. Since the colors in this kind of print are all neutrals, you won't feel crazy wearing multiple prints at one time.

I hope these tips were helpful. Do you have any advice for mixing prints?

Shirt: C/O Seaplane Shirts 
(www.seaplaneshirts.com)
Skirt: Francesca's; Sneakers: American Apparel 
Location: West Village, NYC

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nostalgia isn't what it used to be: tinte cosmetics review

3/12/2017

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vintage scarf | top knot | retro style | vintage style | print mixing | ice cream parlor | Coca Cola
To be honest, I'm not big into makeup or beauty products. One thing I do like, however, is good packaging. I'm sure it goes without saying, but I am obsessed with vintage fonts, graphics and containers. So when Tinte Cosmetics sent me a bunch of their lip products, I was excited to give them a try. Inspired by the 1970's and 80's, Tinte is a line of cosmetics that is reminiscent of simpler times, both in their packaging and the actual product. Below I am describing a bit about each of the products I tested, if you are interested in trying them out for yourself!

Rollerball Lip Potion: The Rollerball Lip Potion is a tube of clear gloss. I personally wasn't a fan of the bubble gum flavor, but I always like having a clear gloss around, either to wear alone, or to layer over a lipstick, if I'm feeling a glossy look instead of matte. 

Kissing Sticks: The Kissing Sticks are your standard chapsticks. I usually opt for a mint flavored chapstick, but the sweet flavors were a nice change of pace, and they still did a good job of keeping my lips moisturized. My favorite flavor was the Strawberry.

Lip Licking Lip Balm: Similar to the Kissing Sticks, but these balms come in a metal tin rather than a plastic tube. My favorite flavor was the Wild Cherry.

Lip Color: This was definitely my favorite product! It was super moisturizing, had a minty flavor, and gave my lips just a slight bit of color, which is perfect for days when I don't want to commit to wearing lipstick.

Tinte Cosmetics is sold in various boutiques around the US, as well as online. You can sign up for their newsletter to get 10% off your purchase!​

The products in this post were complimentary of Tinte Cosmetics, but this review is all of my own thoughts! 

Shirt: Jcrew; Shorts: Top Shop; 
Scarf: Fred and Lulu; Shoes: Bait Footwear
Location: Odd Fellows Ice Cream (Brooklyn, New York)
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valley of the dolls: talking fast fashion

3/1/2017

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Fast fashion brands are extremely prominent at the moment. I can't scroll through my Instagram feed without seeing items from retailers like Zara, H&M and Forever 21. However, I recently watched a documentary on Netflix called "The True Cost", which provides an in depth look at the ramifications of the fast fashion industry. One negative effect in particular is that it creates mass amounts of fabric and clothing waste.

According to this documentary, the average American produces about 82 lbs of clothing waste a year, totaling 11 million tons amongst the entire nation. Most people think it's okay to buy items they know they will discard after a couple wears because they donate any unwanted clothing. However, thrift stores unfortunately can only accept about 10% of the clothing that is donated. Whatever is not taken is dumped into landfills, which causes irreparable damage to our environment because fabric cannot naturally decompose.

After watching "The True Cost", I felt disgusted from actually seeing the amount of waste the fast fashion industry produces. Since then, I have tried to refrain from shopping at mass retailers, in addition to being more thoughtful about what I am purchasing, making sure I am only buying items I really, truly love. It's so easy to walk into a fast fashion store and buy a bunch of items you have lack luster feelings about, just because of the low prices.

In addition to really considering what I am buying before I purchase, I am making more of an effort to buy vintage or thrifted items. I am also trying to buy more from small businesses whose products are made in America, like the dress I am wearing in these photos. This dress is from Smak Parlour, a Philadelphia based boutique. They carry various brands, as well as their own line that is produced in LA (this dress is part of that collection). If you're not in the Philadelphia area, they also have a website so you can shop online. They have lots of adorable vintage inspired pieces, so I would definitely recommend checking them out!

The point of this blog post is not to shame anyone who shops fast fashion brands. Like many, I have bought a lot from these retailers in recent years. I just want to create awareness about this issue and encourage everyone to watch this eye opening documentary. We are constantly being bombarded with consumerism in this day and age, so I think we could all use a reminder to stop and and think twice before you buy.


Dress: C/O Smak Parlour
(www.smakparlour.com)
Shoes: Bait Footwear
(www.baitfootwear.com)
Location: Seven Magic Mountain (Las Vegas, Nevada)
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