Sexy Black

The Art of the Blazer

In the past couple of weeks. I’ve been exposed to some pretty fashionable people. Starting with my internship with the 2009 Charleston Fashion Week (don’t sleep on it, it’s a very big event and will only get bigger www.charlestonfashionweek.com) and then with my Spring Break trip to Aggieland (pretty much the most stylish HBCU on Earth), I saw the good, the bad, and downright UGLY of trends. But being the person that I am, having the sixth sense of fashion that I do, I was able to spot out a subtle trend lurking amongst us, the blazer.

For most the blazer is related to the staunch, rigid world known as Corporate America. While one can be very stylish in a 2 or 3 piece business suit, the upper half (and in some cases the lower half is cause for another discussion) is not limited to the board room. As I soon found out myself during CFW, the piece acts in the same way that it does with a business suit, by giving an outfit structure. In the same respect, it is also like a piece of jewelry because it can also act as an accent as well. Here are some ways that you can add the blazer to your outfits:

- The Wild Side- To bring that blazer out of the office, try finding ones that have fun prints on the inside so that the sleeves can be rolled up and your inner wild side can be exposed. Pictured here is one of the blazers I wore during fashion week that has my fav print. Lepoard!!!


- Sexy Black!!- Your can also use black as a way to pull a look together. For instance, when wearing an out that that has several different colors, putting on a black blazer can make it easier to find accessories and shoes to match.

- All Shapes and Sizes- The beauty of a blazer is that it does not only come in one type. To make an outfit fun, try blazers that have ruffles, tuxedo, or a cutaway style.

- Accessorize the Accessory- As with any item of clothing, adding just one accessory can carry the entire outfit to a new level. For instance, adding a belt that has color or jewels, or even a scarf can really make the blazer stand out.

- Vintage Style- Step outside of your own closet and raid whichever of these closets are closest to you: you mom, aunt, or even a very stylish grandma. There you will have access to all the padding that made the 80’s and 90’s were made of, especially blazers. These items will look wonderful over a cute pair or leggings or hot mini dress/ skirt.

With this trend, it will be hard to go wrong because the blazer in itself is a staple item. Whether you’re going out to a party or to a movie, the blazer is always a crowd pleaser.

Best Places to Find Blazers: Express, The Limited, J Crew, and Thrift Stores

Karen Michele

Fashion in a Recession

There’s been a lot of back and forth these past few months over whether or not we’re actually in a recession. Although everyone already knew, our gracious government has finally jumped on bored. For those of us however that not only pledge allegiance to the good ol’ U.S. of A, but to fashion too, we’ve been put in a bit of a predicament.

With all the layoffs, freezes on promotions and raises, our paychecks are slim, and our “little bit on the side” for our favorite dudes Prada, Gucci, Louis is practically non-existent. For the “talented tenth” of us fashionistas and fashionados, this is due cause for a new way of thinking, one that allows our creative juices to flow. For all others, here are a few tidbits that can help you save while still being on the cutting edge of fashion:

· Staples, not trends- Take a sec for a brief mental inventory of your closet. 35 percent of your clothes probably still have tags on them, another 40 percent was probably only worn once, and the other 25 percent….well that’s what you actually wear. The reason you wear these is because they are timeless, fit well, the right color, and can be worn many different ways. This should always be your focus when shopping. These reasons, added with the fact that they’re just your favorite clothes, equal an equation for focused shopping. Looking for such pieces will create staples in your wardrobe rather that having it filled to the brim with trendy clothes that won’t make it to the end of the month. It is also critical that you choose clothing stores that are known for their quality…so Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters maybe out of range. You may find that these pieces are a little costly on the front end. Even if these pieces take a couple pennies from your Starbucks fund, it will be well worth it.

o Suggested Places to Shop: The Gap, Express, The Limited

o Suggested items to buy when you get there: classic pair of jeans, little black dress, white collared shirt, pencil skirt

· Thrifty can be nifty- In the past few years, vintage has been in. because of it, many of the newer styles in your fav department stores have taken to this trend, but the price tags don’t match those from the decade the style first appeared. An easy and cost effective alternative is the thrift store. These stores (which can be good or bad dependent on your locale) have a wealth of fashion for a fraction of the price. Just be sure you have ample free time to sift through the good, bad, and the ugly….and make sure to wash thoroughly for wearing!

o Suggested Places: The Salvation Army Thrift Stores, or any local store in your area

o Suggested items to look for (that will be in abundance): clutch bags, corduroy pants, dresses, business suits and blazers

Hopefully these tidbits can help you survive the economic crisis, while also staying fashionable!

Remember, open your eyes and let the creative juices flow=)

Karen Michele