denim jacket bues

A classic staple for decades, denim jackets have suffered a dip in popularity during the new millenium. I myself found them boring and unflattering when after the 90's they could only be found on six year olds, ranchers, and thirty-something mothers. However only recently have I been inspired by their diversity and rather edgy status when styled the right way. I have even decided to bust out an old CK jacket and rework it into my wardrobe, taking cues from some of my favorite muses, of course.

When it comes to styling a denim jacket, go for contrast, both in color and style. The girls below mix city and country, light and dark, to balance the jacket so it doesn't look overpowering and cheap. And the number one rule is, of course, always avoid denim on denim!

Rachel Bilson is a current style icon of mine. I love the simple tones in this look, and the layering really flatters the jacket.
Courtesy of the Cobrasnake, this it girl looks effortless in denim and paisley. The green and blue combo really make it pop.

One of my favorite blogs to lurk on, Fashion Toast, always styles her denim jackets with such ease and sophistication. The city looks on the bottom really compliments the laid-back country vibe on top.

Similar to the look above, Camille from Childhood Flames gives a great example of color and style contrast through severe black and a lean, sleek lower half.

feeding the animals

So I just finished downloading and listening to the new Girl Talk album, Feed the Animals, and I must say I was not disappointed. It's the longest album yet, and I think it really compliments Gregg's last on, and my personal favorite, Night Ripper. His first one, Unstoppable, is much more techno, choppy, and the songs don't flow as well. I like Unstoppable a lot, just not as much as NR, and I have a feeling the more I listen to the latest the more I'll love it.

Feed the Animals is basically one hour long sample remix song. I am really attracted to this genre of music because I love paradoxes, and Girl Talk infuses hip hop rap with pop in a really fun and edgy way. It's also exciting because each time I listen to a song, I hear a new beat or sample I never heard before. For this album, Girl Talk has used more popular songs than in the past. However, it also sounds like it has incorporated a larger spectrum of samples from all different styles and decades, which is awesome because I love a big range of music. All I wanna do is dance when I hear Girl Talk!

If you are a fan of Girl Talk, or even if you've never heard of them and this post entices you, you must check out the new album!

shock me like an electric eel

I first heard about MGMT towards the end of February from somewhere on the net, listened to a song or two, and didn't think much about it. But soon I started hearing and seeing them everywhere - their popularity rose way fast. School friends Andrew and Ben started the band sort of by accident in their college dorm, and before they knew it they were signed and touring. The awesomeness of their music and style is crazy, and the two go hand in hand.

The music is dance-y electronic, and pretty psychedelic. The songs are both enlightening and melancholy at the same time, and the lyrics definitely speak out to the young generation. Songs like "Kids," "Time to Pretend" and "The Youth" reflect upon the thoughts of growing up, while "Electric Feel" and "Boogie Down" are sexual and promiscuous.

Only highlighting the musical vibe is the boys' personal style - they can often be seen in headscarves, vintage tees, and sunglasses. Their style is a unique mix of hippie hipster-vintage style with a subversive and sarcastic personality to match. And Andrew and Ben's dashing good looks don't hurt the likeability factor much, either.

Oooohh Andrew, make me swoon.

indian summer

I think summer is really one of the best times to indulge in fashion trends. It's warm weather gives you the opportunity to try out any kind of clothing style, while it's laid back vibe allows you to experiment. One of my favorite Summer '08 trends is Native American touches. This trend especially makes an impact in the summer months because it reflects upon the warm, nature-friendly feel of American Indian culture.

To channel this native trend, your overall look should be natural, messy and pure. All you need is wavy hair, minimal makeup, and a subtle tan to start. Shift dresses, loose tees, and short-shorts make a great canvas for any summer inspired look. Accent with fringe, beading, feathers, suede, and stone. Headbands and big jewelry make a tribal statement in colors like yellow, turquoise, red, and burnt orange. And of course, a good pair of moccasins is a must!

Here are some great Native American inspired accessories:

(pictures: Urban Outfitters)

bonafide hustler makin' her name

M.I.A. is a true individual in every sense of the word, and it is reflected in both her music and style. She gets away with dressing completely insane because she exudes confidence and coolness. Imagine the backlash any other Hollywood starlet would get if they were so over-the-top in their dressing? But M.I.A. can pull it off, and I think every style maven out there can take a cue from her wardrobe choices.

A typical get-up for the songstress, flashy and look-at-me.

This is definitly a low-key stage outfit for M.I.A., and one that I would probably love to wear.
I love how on the red carpet she looks pulled-together but comepletly unique and different.
I adore M.I.A.'s short highlighted 'do because it reflects her style: sassy, wild, and carefree.
Her make-up is always costume-y and loud, yet totally chic.

And because all girls need some M.I.A. spice in their style:

pictures: MisShapes, Google, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel

Wafarers and a Goodwill run

Just when I thought I was sick of the Ray-Ban Wayfarer look, they bust out with new delicious colors, perfect for summer. With brights like violet and my personal fave, sky blue (pictured right), the fresh colors are a great new alternative to a tired trend. Plus, they would really sass up my thrift findings today!

...Bringing me to my other hot topic, my Goodwill run! In case you are unaware of my Goodwill obsession, let me fill you in: It is my absolute favorite place to shop, hands down. I'm pretty certain that even if I had enough money to shop designer all day every day, I would still shop at Goodwill. I think it is one of the world's biggest untapped fashion goldmines. Most everything is secondhand, which in my opinion is better than overpriced "vintage," whatever that word really means. Goodwill has everything you could find in a vintage store times 10, and you can score amazingly unique pieces for dirt cheap.

Since everything is really inexpensive, you have room to experiment. For instance, today I bough a pair of big mom jeans and cut them into loose, ripped-up shorts for the new summer weather. Goodwill really gives you a chance to make your wardrobe unique and put some pizazz in your personal style. When you shop there, you have to be creative, open minded, and willing to dig. I think Goodwill's tendency to be hit-or-miss is bittersweet: sometimes I just get so frustrated leaving that place without a gem in my hand, but other times I can find a million amazing pieces. Although my last trip was fruitless, lucky for me I struck Goodwill gold today.

Here's the inventory:

- mom jeans (cut into shorts)
- '80s style white flats with a slight wedge
- large red vintage-looking clutch
- men's denim button down
- men's short-sleeved plaid button down
- men's basketball shorts (to inspire me to work out!)
- red beaded necklace
- extra-soft heather blue pocketed tee
- extra-soft white with black stripes tee

Total damage: $31.35

man style

After watching the Bachelorette marathon yesterday, I've realized I can totally up my standards for guys. I mean, if Hottie McTrottie Ryan could actually marry someone who talks in a baby voice waaaayyy too much and who insisted on having their entire wedding be pink, then I can certainly score a bangin' dude. And for me, the first thing that catches my eye (after his unconventionally adorable good looks) is his style. Future boyfriends, take note.

Nothing hotter than a boy who can dress himself. I have quite the affinity for boys dress clothes, so much so that I would often rather dress like my grandpa than a princess. I love button downs, slacks, blazers, ties, dress shoes, fedoras and especially vests. The whole ensemble is stylish, classic, flattering, and completely hot!

I think I have a cute-boy-in-denim-jacket fetish. There's something so Springsteen, so '50s rebel about a denim jacket that makes me melt. To me it screams "I don't care that much about how I look so I threw on this old denim jacket, which makes me look totally hot anyways." The denim jacket-wearer is a laid back individual with a pulled-together hankering for grunge. And the beanie on this dude is only a plus!

Nothing like a perfect 5 o'clock shadow to make a girl's heart pitter-patter. Obviously Penn Badgley is one cute boy, but the scruff makes him uber fine. Sexy and reckless, what's better?

My obsession with redheads is somewhat new, but I have a feeling it will never go away. There's something so goofy, simple, original and modest about red haired boys that I can't help but love. And my desire for redheaded babies might have something to do with it...

Oh my god why are all men who wear plaid shirts babes??? It's this magical transformation that is made when a boy puts on plaid, and nowadays boys who wear plaid are considered pretty style-conscious. Plaid is outdoorsy, slouchy, easy, colorful yet simple, and completely adorable. And again, the beanie just adds to this boy's hottness!

I love glasses. As much as I appreciate my perfect vision, I can't help but yearn for a pair of my own. I just think in general glasses make people more attractive. Especially boys. Glasses make boys look smart, and what can I say, nerds turn me on. I particularly love it when a guy wears thick rimmed glasses, because they are so incredibly nerdy that they are cool. Girls DO make passes at boys in glasses...

I think all girls can agree that sporty guys are hot, especially those who can pull off a baseball hat. It's just so manly and sexy, and what girl doesn't love a man's man? Adam Brody extends his cuteness through his whole ensemble, from the preppy polo and jacket, to the Converse sneakers, which is my shoe of choice.

Additional man-style turn ons:
- bandanas
- shaggy hair
- watches
- flattering jeans
- phat kicks
- hoodies

*photos of non-celebrities from Cobrasnake and Skullset*